PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Mar 3, 2021
George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021
This bill addresses a wide range of policies and issues regarding policing practices and law enforcement accountability. It increases accountability for law enforcement misconduct, restricts the use of certain policing practices, enhances transparency and data collection, and establishes best practices and training requirements.
The bill enhances existing enforcement mechanisms to remedy violations by law enforcement. Among other things, it does the following:
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
lowers the criminal intent standard—from willful to knowing or reckless—to convict a law enforcement officer for misconduct in a federal prosecution,
limits qualified immunity as a defense to liability in a private civil action against a law enforcement officer, and
grants administrative subpoena power to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in pattern-or-practice investigations.
It establishes a framework to prevent and remedy racial profiling by law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels. It also limits the unnecessary use of force and restricts the use of no-knock warrants, chokeholds, and carotid holds.
The bill creates a national registry—the National Police Misconduct Registry—to compile data on complaints and records of police misconduct. It also establishes new reporting requirements, including on the use of force, officer misconduct, and routine policing practices (e.g., stops and searches).
Finally, it directs DOJ to create uniform accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies and requires law enforcement officers to complete training on racial profiling, implicit bias, and the duty to intervene when another officer uses excessive force.
People & committees
Rep. Bass, Karen [D-CA-37] · D–CA
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 212 (Roll no. 60). (text: CR H1039-1054)
House roll call 60 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 212 (Roll no. 60).(text: CR H1039-1054)
House roll call 60 · Individual votesOn motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 208 - 219 (Roll no. 59).
House roll call 59 · Individual votesThe previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Ms. Malliotakis moved to recommit to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR H1069)
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1280.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1 and H.R. 1280. Rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1 and one motion to recommit. Rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1280 and one motion to recommit.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 179. (consideration: CR H1039-1071)
Rule H. Res. 179 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 179 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1 and H.R. 1280. Rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1 and one motion to recommit. Rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1280 and one motion to recommit.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jun 6, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze H.R.1280 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.1280 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.1280 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.1280 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.