State Representative Jamie Thompson has introduced a bill that would require police officers to undergo jiu-jitsu or equivalent grappling training. The training aims to provide an additional layer of safety for officers and suspects, promoting effective and nonlethal responses to dangerous situations. Learn more about this proposal and other legislative news in Michigan.
| Proposal by State Rep. Jamie Thompson would mandate jiu-jitsu or equivalent grappling training for police officers
| Training aims to provide additional safety for officers and suspects
| Other legislative news includes drug price investigation, school bus safety measures, and more
| State Rep. Dylan Wegela proposes upper price limits for bottled water at venues
| State Rep. Alabas Farhat sponsors bill to block underage child marriages
| Rep. Thompson expresses concerns about revising standards for medical abortions
State Representative Jamie Thompson has introduced House Bill 5014, which would require all licensed law enforcement officials to undergo nonlethal takedown tactics training. The training would focus on jiu-jitsu or equivalent grappling techniques, such as mixed martial arts and judo.
According to Thompson, this training would provide an additional layer of safety for both officers and suspects. The goal is to promote effective and nonlethal responses to potentially dangerous situations. Thompson believes that supporting law enforcement officers and equipping them with the necessary tools is crucial for ensuring the safety of families and neighborhoods.
Under the proposed bill, officers would be required to achieve a blue belt in jiu-jitsu or obtain certification in equivalent grappling training. Other acceptable forms of training would include mixed martial arts fighting, judo, wrestling, and more. Grappling training involves hand-to-hand combat techniques used to gain a physical advantage over an opponent.
The bill is set to take effect next year and would apply to individuals seeking a law enforcement license. Currently licensed officers would be given time to complete the required training, and continuing education in grappling training would be mandatory.
Thompson cited successful programs in other states, such as St. Paul, Minnesota, and Marietta, Georgia, where the use of force has been reduced as a result of similar training initiatives.
Other Legislative News
In other legislative news, State Senator Darrin Camilleri is sponsoring legislation to create a state board that would investigate drug prices and cap medicine costs. The effort is in response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s call to lower prescription drug prices.
State Representative Tyrone Carter is co-sponsoring a bill package that calls for the installation of cameras on school bus stop arms to enforce bus stop laws. The aim is to ensure the safety of children when they board and exit school buses.
Representative Thompson is also backing a bill that would block sensitive data from being stored on services owned by foreign entities of concern. The measure would also prohibit foreign interests of concern from purchasing farmland near military bases in Michigan.
State Senator Erika Geiss is proposing a resolution urging the president and Congress to renew and expand the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The act provides duty-free access to the U.S. market for products from Sub-Saharan nations.
Representative Reggie Miller and Representative Matthew Bierlein are proposing a license plate to raise funds for Michigan 4-H youth. Sales of the license plate would support the nonprofit Michigan 4-H Foundation, which aims to help kids thrive and promote youth development and scholarship programs.
What They Are Saying
State Representative Dylan Wegela is proposing upper price limits for bottled water at sports and entertainment venues, stating that no one should have to choose between staying healthy or paying exorbitant prices for drinks at events.
State Representative Alabas Farhat is sponsoring a bill to block underage child marriages and prohibit secret child marriages, emphasizing the need to protect children from abusive adults.
Representative Thompson expressed concerns about Democrat-backed bills that aim to revise standards for medical abortions in Michigan, stating that cutting corners could have negative consequences for women seeking these procedures.
