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Colorado House Passes 2 Law Enforcement Oversight Bills

DENVER (AP) - House lawmakers passed bills that limit the use of chokeholds by police in Colorado and make it easier to appoint special prosecutors when law enforcement are accused of using excessive force.

The House approved the bills Monday with bipartisan support.

One bill would allow chokeholds by police only in self-defense. Law enforcement officials asked legislators for that exception.

Another bill would allow judges to appoint special prosecutors in cases alleging excessive-force if a decision not to prosecute is questionable and deemed an abuse of discretion. A person would have to petition the court first.

Both proposals now head to the Senate.

The bills are among a package of proposals lawmakers are considering in response to public outcry over allegations of police misconduct in Colorado and the nation.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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