ACLU-KY Statement on Gov. Beshear Signing SB4, a version of Breonna’s Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The following statement can be attributed to Samuel Crankshaw:

“The ACLU of Kentucky applauds Governor Beshear for signing Senate Bill 4, a version of Breonna’s Law, and the broad coalition of lawmakers, community members, and advocates that made this possible. Senate Bill 4 will ban no-knock warrants except in exigent circumstances and requires the presence of emergency medical services when serving such warrants. This law is an excellent first step in reimagining the role of police in community safety, though it in no way provides justice for Breonna Taylor or the degree of change the community needs. This is a win, but the fight is not over.

The majority of no-knock warrants are served in search of drugs. These deadly raids are a staple of the failed war on drugs and put civilians and law enforcement in harm’s way. As Commonwealth Attorney Tom Wine said, no amount of drugs or drug money is worth a human life. In Breonna Taylor's case, the drugs never existed and the person police were searching for was already in custody.

Advocates and policy makers worked over the past year for this law, with millions peacefully taking to the streets throughout the world to demand justice for Breonna Taylor and declare once and for all that Black Lives Matter. Now is not the time to stop. We must build on this momentum to radically change policing so public safety can truly mean protecting and serving all people. The bill received unanimous support in the Senate and passed with 92 votes in the House, showing just how necessary this first step is.

As Taylor’s mother said, Breonna was an EMT and her dream was to save lives. This law will save lives.”

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