California Legislators Want to Require Police Shootings to be "Necessary," Not "Reasonable"

California state lawmakers are proposing legislation that would impose new restrictions on when a law enforcement officer can open fire.

Under the legislation, officers would only be allowed to open fire if “there were no other reasonable alternatives to the use of deadly force." The Associated Press first reported the legislation, which is supported by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other groups.

The proposal comes after the fatal police shooting of Stephon Clark in Sacramento, which has sparked days of protests.

The legislation would shift the current "reasonable force" rule to a "necessary force" standard, according to the AP.

A spokesman for Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D), who is co-authoring the bill with Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (D), told the Hill the legislation is an attempt to urge officers to attempt to de-escalate situations or use weapons that are less lethal.

Under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, federal law supersedes state law. If this bill passes, it would be in conflict with the Supreme Court ruling on Graham v. Connor.