An Arizona bill that would prevent the release of the names of police officers involved in shootings for 60 days after the incident is headed to the governor’s desk.
The state Senate on Tuesday approved Senate Bill 1445 by a 20-to-8 vote. The House of Representatives last week lowered the waiting time to 60 days from 90 days, which meant the Senate had to approve the change.
The bill would prevent law enforcement agencies from releasing the names of officers "involved in a use of deadly physical force incident that results in death or serious physical injury" for 60 days in nearly all cases. An officer's disciplinary history could be released, but any identifying information would be redacted.
Proponents say the bill would protect officers from threats and harassment in the wake of a fatal shooting. Critics say the bill is an attack on government transparency and that the public deserves to know the names of officers involved in the use of deadly force.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey would have to sign the bill into law. A spokesman for his office said Tuesday they are reviewing the bill. Ducey has five days to sign the bill.
