HARRISBURG, Pa. _ As cities across the country grapple with a spate of fatal police shootings, many involving unarmed black men, Pennsylvania's Republican-controlled legislature on Thursday passed and sent to Gov. Tom Wolf a contentious bill that would block public officials from immediately releasing the names of officers involved in such incidents.
The bill, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Martina White of Philadelphia, would prohibit many public officials from quickly releasing the names of police officers involved in shootings that result in death or "serious bodily injury."
Similar measures have been unsuccessful in other states. Gov. Wolf, a Democrat, has said only that he would review it.
Under the bill, public officials could only legally release a police officer's name 30 days after the shooting, or once an official investigation into the shooting has concluded.
Anyone who violates the gag could be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. The state Attorney General's Office and district attorney's offices would be exempt.
Supporters say the bill is necessary to protect police officers and their families. Opponents said the bill flies in the face of transparency, which they believe is even more critical in the often tragic circumstances involving shootings.
"Do not undermine the bridges that have been built between law enforcement and communities of color," said Rep. Margo Davidson, D-Delaware. "This legislation will do nothing but breed suspicion."
Critics also decried what they believed was a last-minute maneuver by Republicans to push through a controversial measure that has not received a full public debate. The legislature's two-year session ends next month, and Thursday may likely be the last voting day of the session.
