Social Justice
Virginia Governor Signs Breonna’s Law, Banning No-Knock Warrants
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has signed Breonna’s Law on Monday, banning police from using no-knock search warrants in the state.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has signed Breonna’s Law on Monday, banning police from using no-knock search warrants in the state.
About the Breonna Taylor law
The law is named after Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old EMT who was shot and killed by Louisville Metro police on March 13 after they executed a botched no-knock search warrant, NBC 12 reports. The measure was passed after a special session in Virginia’s legislature and co-sponsored by Senator Mamie Lockat and Del. Lashrecse D. Aird, D-Petersburg.
Formally known as House Bill 5099, it will barr police from bursting into a home or business to conduct a search without announcing their presence first. Additionally, search warrants can only be served during daylight hours unless law enforcement can show a judge or magistrate good cause against daytime service, USA Today reports.
Virginia is the third state to sign the bill into law.
The governor was accompanied by civil rights Attorney Benjamin Crump, Senator Mamie Locke, and members of Breonna Taylor’s family.
“I am so thankful that you all in the state of Virginia stood up for Breonna Taylor and her legacy,” said Crump.
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