Hagerty, Gallego Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation Supporting Increased Use of Non-Lethal Weapons for Law Enforcement

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is asking anyone whose home has been impacted by recent events to complete a new, easy-to-use survey to report any damages. Submitting the survey does not guarantee assistance, but it is a critical step in helping state and local officials assess impacts and identify potential needs across Tennessee.Complete the survey here.
April 3, 2025
WASHINGTON—United States Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) today reintroduced the bipartisanInnovate to De-Escalate Modernization Act, legislation that would give law enforcement the resources they need to responsibly crack down on crime.Current law discourages law enforcement from utilizing important new less-than-lethal technologies, such as long-range tasers, by failing to clearly distinguish these devices from traditional firearms. TheInnovate to De-Escalate Modernization Actis a technical fix, adding a “less-than-lethal projectile device” category to federal law and creating a statutory test to classify these devices. The new legislation supports law enforcement and community safety by permitting only true less-than-lethal devices, while screening out devices not intended to be less-than-lethal.
“It is crucial that police officers and sheriff’s deputies are equipped with the best available technology to keep Americans safe,”said Senator Hagerty.“Our brave law enforcement officers put their lives in danger every shift, and I’m pleased to introduce this legislation that will ensure they have access to the most effective tools to de-escalate dangerous situations.”“Giving law enforcement the tools they need to safely de-escalate situations is important to keeping both our officers and communities safe,”saidSenator Gallego.“Right now, red tape is making it harder for police departments, especially smaller ones, to access less-than-lethal technology, making encounters more dangerous and potentially deadly. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill to give police departments of all sizes the technology to protect communities without resorting to deadly force.”TheLaw Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Modernization Actprovides:
The legislation is endorsed by:
Full text of the legislation can be foundhere.
###