KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

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SB7 • 2026

CHOKEHOLD BAN

An Act prohibiting the use of chokeholds by peace officers; and relating to justification of use of force by peace officers.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON
Last action
2025-01-22
Official status
(S) STA
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on enforcement mechanisms, penalties for violations, or the exact definition of a chokehold beyond its impact on breathing and blood flow.

Ban on Chokeholds for Police Officers

This act stops police officers from using chokeholds and other moves that can stop someone's breathing or blood flow, except in cases where deadly force is allowed.

What This Bill Does

  • Makes it against the law for police officers to use chokeholds on people.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Police officers who might need to control situations involving violence or danger.

Terms To Know

Chokehold
A move that blocks someone's breathing or stops their blood from flowing properly.
Deadly force
Force used by a police officer when there is an immediate risk of death or serious injury to themselves or others.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not explain what happens if a police officer breaks this rule.
  • It doesn't say how the law will be enforced or who will check if officers follow it.

Bill History

  1. 2025-01-22 27

    (S) REFERRED TO STATE AFFAIRS

  2. 2025-01-22 27

    (S) STA, JUD

  3. 2025-01-22 27

    (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

  4. 2025-01-22 27

    (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/10/25

Official Summary Text

CHOKEHOLD BAN
An Act prohibiting the use of chokeholds by peace officers; and relating to justification of use of force by peace officers.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
SB0007A -1- SB 7
New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]

34-LS0072\A

SENATE BILL NO. 7

IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA

THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE - FIRST SESSION

BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON

Introduced: 1/22/25
Referred: State Affairs, Judiciary

A BILL

FOR AN ACT ENTITLED

"An Act prohibiting the use of chokeholds by peace officers; and relating to justification 1
of use of force by peace officers." 2
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA: 3
* Section 1. AS 11.81.370 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: 4
(d) A peace officer may not knowingly use a carotid restraint, tracheal choke, 5
or other restraint that impedes another person's breathing or c irculation of blood in a 6
manner likely to produce a loss of consciousness except in situ ations for which deadly 7
force is authorized by law. 8