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S. 244 117th Congress Senate

Eric Garner Excessive Force Prevention Act

Official title: A bill to amend section 242 of title 18, United States Code, to include the use of chokeholds and carotid holds as a deprivation of rights and as a punishment,… Show full official titleShow less

Official title: A bill to amend section 242 of title 18, United States Code, to include the use of chokeholds and carotid holds as a deprivation of rights and as a punishment, pain, or penalty, and for other purposes.

Introduced: February 4, 2021 Introduced by: Kirsten E. Gillibrand Democratic · New York See on congress.gov
Crime and Law Enforcement Assault and harassment offensesCardiovascular and respiratory healthConstitution and constitutional amendmentsCrime victims
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Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationDetention of personsDue process and equal protectionLaw enforcement administration and fundingLaw enforcement officersRacial and ethnic relations
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This bill died when the 117th Congress ended
It never became law before the 117th Congress (2021–2022) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 2 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Feb 4, 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Feb 4, 2021
Introduced in Senate
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 Latest action February 4, 2021

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Eric Garner Excessive Force Prevention Act

This bill modifies the criminal civil rights statute that prohibits deprivation of rights under color of law.

Current law prohibits the deprivation of federally protected rights, privileges, or immunities by a government official (including a law enforcement officer). It also prohibits the application of different punishments, pains, or penalties based on an individual's alien status, color, or race.

This bill specifies that the application of any pressure to the throat or windpipe, the use of maneuvers that restrict blood or oxygen flow to the brain, or the use of carotid artery restraints which may prevent or hinder breathing or reduce intake of air is a deprivation of a right, privilege, or immunity and is a punishment, pain, or penalty.

 Related & companion bills 1
  • HR 1347 Eric Garner Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act of 2021
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). S. 244: Eric Garner Excessive Force Prevention Act. 117th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/117-S-244/
MLA
"S. 244: Eric Garner Excessive Force Prevention Act." 117th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/117-S-244/.
Bluebook (legal)
S. 244, 117th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/117-S-244/.
Markdown link
[S. 244: Eric Garner Excessive Force Prevention Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/117-S-244/)
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