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S 7182

Prohibits the involuntary use of sedatives during an arrest

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare

Prohibits involuntary sedatives during arrests; requires consent or medical authorization, and strengthens reporting, training, and oversight to protect arrestees and custody staff.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 7182

Summary: S 7182 — Prohibits the involuntary use of sedatives during an arrest

  • Bill number and title: S 7182, "Prohibits the involuntary use of sedatives during an arrest"
  • Status: Referred to the Codes Committee
  • Introduced: April 3, 2025
  • Primary sponsor: Cordell Cleare
  • Related bills (prior session): S 8105, S 6299, S 5064

Purpose and intent

S 7182 aims to protect arrestees and individuals in custody from being given sedatives involuntarily during an arrest or related custody scenarios. By restricting the use of chemical restraints without consent or appropriate medical authorization, the bill seeks to safeguard civil rights and reduce potential harms or abuses associated with sedation in the field or in custody.

Key provisions (as implied by the bill’s title; full text would provide exact language)

  • Prohibition on involuntary sedation: Officers and custody staff may not administer sedatives to arrestees without consent or explicit medical authorization.
  • Definitions (likely):
    • “Sedatives” or “chemical restraints” used during arrest/custody.
    • “Involuntary use” defined as administration without the arrestee’s informed consent or without proper medical authorization.
  • Exceptions (likely categories):
    • Medical necessity overseen by a licensed medical professional.
    • Hospital or medical facility settings where authorized personnel determine need.
    • Emergencies where failure to sedate could pose an immediate risk to the individual or others, with subsequent reporting requirements.
  • Oversight, reporting, and accountability:
    • Mandatory reporting of any sedation events.
    • Disciplinary or corrective actions for violations by officers or agencies.
    • Data collection and periodic reporting to a legislative or statutory oversight body.
  • Training and best practices:
    • De-escalation training and alternatives to sedation for law enforcement and custody staff.
    • Clear documentation requirements for any decision to sedate, including rationale and consent status.
  • Documentation and records: Required records for any sedation decision, including consent status, medical justification, and circumstances.

Who is affected

  • Law enforcement agencies and personnel involved in arrests
  • Jails, detention facilities, and custody medical staff
  • Medical professionals providing care to arrestees in custody
  • Arrestees and individuals in custody
  • Legislative and oversight bodies that monitor use-of-force and medical restraint practices

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill was introduced and immediately referred to the Codes Committee on April 3, 2025.
  • No additional actions or final passage dates are listed in the provided information; full text, amendments, and committee hearings would determine the remaining timeline.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Positive impacts: Enhanced protections against non-consensual chemical restraints; greater transparency and accountability; alignment with civil rights standards and patient safety concerns.
  • Possible challenges: Implementation costs for training and reporting; ensuring safe alternatives to sedation in high-risk situations; potentialAdjustment period for agencies adapting policies and procedures.

Next steps to watch

  • Review the full bill text for exact definitions, exceptions, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Monitor committee hearings in the Codes Committee for amendments and testimony.
  • Track any related bills (S 8105, S 6299, S 5064) for convergence or differences in approach.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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