Stoughton State Reps At Odds On Police Reform Bill

STOUGHTON, MA — Stoughton's two state representatives were at odds on their votes for a sweeping police reform and accountability bill. The bill passed 93-66 and seeks to address calls to counter systemic racism and force changes within law enforcement.

Rep. Lou Kafka, D-Stoughton, voted in favor of the bill, while Rep. William Galvin, D-Canton, opposed it. Kafka is retiring and will not seek re-election. Galvin announced he's seeking another term and will face off against primary challenger Tamisha Civil, of Stoughton, on Sept. 1.

The police reform bill would create an independent Massachusetts Police Standard and Training Commission. If signed into law, the commission would be responsible for licensing all law enforcement officials every three years. Members of the commission would also have the authority to take away the license of any officers for incidents related to bias, conviction of a felony, submission of false time sheets and the use of excessive force.

The bill also seeks to eliminate the legal doctrine known as qualified immunity. Qualified immunity protects public officials from lawsuits in their official work. If approved, police officers would no longer be immune to lawsuits following incidents that result in decertification.

The Senate approved a similar bill on a 30-7 vote. The legislation will likely head next to six-member House-Senate conference committee for resolution, but the bill's negotiators have until July 31 to get a consensus bill to Gov. Charlie Baker. Baker also proposed his own police accountability bill.