Legislative Update

Update:
Michigan vs. Budzyn

Several major pieces of legislation that affect law enforcement have been introduced in the 105th Congress. The "Care for Police Survivors Act of 1998" would provide financial assistance to dependents of federal, state and local public safety officers who are killed or permanently disabled as a result of a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty. 

 

The "Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act" would establish a matching grant program   to provide federal funds to help state and local police purchase armored vests.

 

Another proposed law would expedite the state reviews of criminal records of applicants for private security jobs. Still another bill would allow current and former law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons. Many state laws now prohibit the carrying of a concealed weapon, even by off-duty law enforcement personnel. 

 

All of these bills have widespread support in Congress and are expected to pass both houses. 

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During the trial, the movie "Malcolm X," a film depicting brutality of white policemen, was shown. Both officers were convicted of second-degree murder, but Mr. Budzyn's conviction was overturned by the Michigan Supreme Court which ruled that a mistrial had occurred due to prejudicial evidence. 

So in March of this year, Mr. Budzyn having already served 3 1/2  years in prison, was tried and convicted a  second time for manslaughter even though he never struck the victim. The Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund provided $120,000 for attorney and expert witness fees to the Walter Budzyn Defense Fund.

Budzyn was sentenced to time served and thus will not serve any additional time in prison.