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A 3613

Prohibits the use of certain chemical incapacitants by law enforcement agencies

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Phara Souffrant Forrest and 3 co-sponsors

Prohibits law enforcement from using designated chemical incapacitants, prompting policy updates, training, and oversight to curb chemical restraint.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 3613

Summary of Assembly Bill A 3613

Overview

  • Bill Number: A 3613
  • Title: Prohibits the use of certain chemical incapacitants by law enforcement agencies
  • Status: REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
  • Introduced: January 29, 2025
  • Classification: bill
  • Related bills: A 6216 (prior-session), A 7898 (prior-session)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill would prohibit law enforcement agencies from using certain chemical incapacitating agents. The overarching goal appears to be to restrict or eliminate the deployment of specific chemical agents as a method of subduing or detaining individuals, likely in an effort to address safety concerns and civil rights considerations related to chemical incapacitation.

Key provisions (as described by the bill’s title and status)

  • Prohibition on use: The core provision would ban the use of designated chemical incapacitants by law enforcement entities.
  • Definitions: The bill would define what constitutes a "chemical incapacitant" and identify which agents are covered by the prohibition (the exact agents and scope would be specified in the bill text).
  • Compliance framework: The text is expected to establish requirements for agencies to comply with the prohibition, which may include procurement restrictions, policy updates, and training guidelines.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Provisions typically accompanying prohibitions could address enforcement mechanisms and potential penalties for violations (e.g., disciplinary actions, reporting duties), though the specific penalties would be stated in the bill.
  • Exemptions and exceptions: There could be enumerated exemptions (e.g., emergency scenarios, authorized medical or tactical contexts), to be detailed in the bill.
  • Reporting and oversight: The bill may include reporting requirements or oversight provisions to monitor compliance, though specifics would appear in the full text.

Affected parties and scope

  • Primary: Law enforcement agencies at the state and local level that would be prohibited from using the specified chemical incapacitants.
  • Related entities: Departments responsible for procurement, training, and policy development within those agencies; possibly state or local government offices tasked with enforcement and compliance monitoring.

Procedural timeline and next steps

  • Introduced: January 29, 2025.
  • Committee assignment: Referred to the Governmental Operations committee. This indicates the bill will be reviewed, possibly amended, and heard in that committee before any floor consideration.
  • Next steps (once in committee): Hearings, possible amendments, and a committee vote; if approved, progression to floor consideration and potential floor votes in the chamber.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Public safety and civil rights: The prohibition could reduce reliance on chemical incapacitation and encourage alternative de-escalation and restraint methods.
  • Training and policy: Agencies may need to update use-of-force policies, training programs, and procurement practices to align with the prohibition.
  • Operational considerations: Depending on the scope, agencies may need to adjust tactical protocols and equipment inventories.
  • Legal and oversight implications: The bill may introduce new regulatory oversight and reporting requirements to ensure compliance.

Notes

  • The full text of A 3613 will specify the exact agents covered, definitions, exemptions, penalties, implementation dates, and any phased-in timelines. Readers seeking precise language should review the bill text once released by the legislative body.

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

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