WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored H.R. 2189, the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act, a bill that would give law enforcement the resources they need while ensuring police departments across the country have access to the most effective less-than-lethal equipment. This bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI).

“Brave law enforcement officers serve and protect our communities every day. There is no reason they shouldn’t be equipped with the most effective tools and technology available to protect themselves and our neighborhoods. As men and women in uniform continue to face dangerous situations, our laws must adapt to advancing technology so that law enforcement can protect the public while keeping themselves safe,” said Rep. Simpson.

Background:

Under current law, law enforcement is discouraged from utilizing important new, less-than-lethal technologies, such as long-range tasers, by failing to clearly distinguish these devices from traditional firearms. The Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act modernizes the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) by excluding “less-than-lethal projectile devices” from its definition of the term “firearm.”

The full text of the bill is available here.