House Democrats took the wraps off legislation on June 8, offering a blueprint for amending policing policies in what could prove to be a considerable bill that holds law enforcement officers answerable for misconduct and more transparency. The bill comes in the wake of nation-wide protests demanding justice for George Floyd.

Spearheaded by the Congressional Black Caucus, the bill was unveiled during a press conference with several congressional Democrats including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Kamala Harris, and Senators Cory Booker on Monday morning. This 136-pages bill comprises reforms that simplify prosecuting police officers for bad or unethical behavior in civil court.

Dubbed as the Justice in Policing Act 2020, the text of the bill was given to CBS News by a House Democratic staff member. Before unveiling their police reform guidance, Democrats honored Floyd and other African-Americans who relinquished life at the hands of law enforcement.

During an interview with CBS News' Congresswoman Karen Bass, Nancy Cordes, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said that the increasing support for policing reforms shows this movement is unlike any other movement in the past. Admitting that it usually takes a lot of time for things to change, she said this issue is different because different people are out, and in some cases in some cities, she said she has to look to find the African-Americans.

Several American people understand this issue. When polls were done, people claimed they never had a problem with police, so it was difficult to understand what exactly was the problem. She told CBS News that people have finally crossed the bridge where they under the experience other people have had with the police.

Responding to reporters in a press conference, Bass revealed that the package comprises over 200 co-sponsors in Senate and the House. The nation-wide anguish is transforming into nation-wide action as people across the United States have peacefully protested against the racial injustice, Pelosi added.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer advised Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to get the bill to the Senate floor for a vote and debate before the end of June. People who took to the streets want to change, he noted, adding that Democrats are heeding their demands via this legislation. The bill will alter the requirement of intent in the federal criminal statute when it comes to prosecuting police misconduct by modifying the standard of prosecution from willfulness to recklessness.