Bill Overview
Title: Analyzing Kinetic Impact Projectiles Against Americans Act
Description: This bill requires a study on injuries caused by kinetic impact projectiles. These include rubber and plastic bullets, bean bag rounds, and other projectiles commonly used for crowd control. The Department of Health and Human Services must, within 30 days, enter an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct the study.
Sponsors: Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals exposed to kinetic impact projectiles worldwide
Estimated Size: 200000
- Kinetic impact projectiles are commonly used in various countries for crowd control, particularly during protests, riots, and demonstrations.
- Such projectiles can cause serious injuries or even fatalities when used improperly or excessively.
- The study mandated by the bill is aimed at assessing the harm and health impacts on individuals exposed to these projectiles.
- Globally, use of such projectiles is not limited to one country, suggesting a broad population affected by the findings.
Reasoning
- The policy's primary budget goal is to successfully commission a comprehensive study that encapsulates the injuries caused by kinetic impact projectiles in the US.
- Considering the budget constraints, the focus will likely be on urban demographics where protests and crowd control situations are frequent.
- Given the data gathering and analysis involved in the study, it's crucial to include voices not only of those directly affected but also law enforcement officers implementing the use of projectiles.
- The variation in perceived well-being will differ greatly between those directly harmed and those who see potential benefits via policy change.
Simulated Interviews
Public Defender (Seattle, WA)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this study is crucial for holding law enforcement accountable for the harm caused during protests.
- Such projectiles are sometimes used excessively, and understanding their impacts can push for safer alternatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
School Teacher (Kansas City, MO)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I haven't experienced these situations firsthand, I think the study could ensure safer community law enforcement practices.
- My main concern is the safety of my students and community during protests.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Freelance Photographer (Portland, OR)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This study is overdue, as I have personally faced the harmful effects of these projectiles.
- We need measures that protect both protesters and photographers covering these events.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Police Officer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's vital that this study also considers the perspective of law enforcement, ensuring operational effectiveness isn't compromised.
- I'm open to reforms that ensure the safest use of these tools.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Civil Rights Lawyer (New York, NY)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The study on the real impact of these projectiles could be game-changing for upholding justice and citizens' rights.
- Success can lead to legislative changes protecting individuals from excessive force during protests.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Activist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Understanding the dangers of these projectiles could reduce their use on peaceful protesters.
- I hope this study leads to meaningful change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Healthcare Worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The study could prevent unnecessary injuries by informing proper guidelines for using such measures.
- Injuries from these projectiles should be preventable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Social Worker (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This study is important to ensure community safety and fair treatment by law enforcement.
- It's time to show that non-lethal doesn't always mean safe.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Journalist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An objective study on these projectiles will aid in informed journalism and public awareness.
- I hope the findings lead to safer policing methods.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Law Enforcement Trainer (Austin, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A comprehensive study can enhance training protocols, improving both officer and public safety.
- Identification of risks associated with kinetic projectiles will likely lead to better usage guidelines.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The study's findings could influence future policies or regulations regarding the use of kinetic impact projectiles, potentially leading to indirect economic or social impacts.
- The timeline for the study is relatively short, which may necessitate high up-front costs to ensure completion.
- Ensuring comprehensive data collection and analysis within the specified timeframe could require substantial coordination and resources.