SEATTLE (AP) — Mayors, county executives or even the governor would have to give their approval before police could use tear gas to quell riots under a compromise reached in the Washington Legislature. A conference committee of the House and Senate met Thursday to reconcile versions of a police tactics bill already approved by each chamber. The Senate version would have barred the use of tear gas at public riots. The House version would have allowed it with certain restrictions to address threats of serious harm. The compromise allows it to be used at riots, but only with the prior approval of the highest elected official in the jurisdiction.
Legislature: Elected officials must OK tear gas use by cops
