Widow pushes for police pursuit reform with new state bill

A proposed bill known as the Darren Lewis Saving Lives Act would place new restrictions on high-speed police chases in residential areas.

(CNN)- Nearly a year after losing her husband, Kathy Lewis says the pain still feels fresh.

“To me, it still seems like yesterday. It was very devastating. I just didn’t want to believe it,” Lewis said.

Her husband, Darren Lewis, was killed almost a year ago. Now, Kathy Lewis is turning her grief into action.

A proposed bill known as the Darren Lewis Saving Lives Act would place new restrictions on high-speed police chases in residential areas. The legislation would also require additional training for officers, including guidance on when to call off a pursuit.

Lewis says her marriage to Darren was a fairy tale — and the love they shared makes the loss even harder.

“The more you love, the more you grieve. And my marriage was a fairy tale. It was a fairy tale that every girl dreams of. So it makes it even harder,” she said.

State Representative Carl Gilliard says the goal of the bill is not to place blame, but to focus on safety by using technology instead of speed.

“We would definitely be looking at the level of the speed limits, the level of pursuit. There’s a will and a way, but we need to protect the lives of that officer and civilian,” Gilliard said.

According to data from 2019 to 2023, there were 6,700 police pursuits. More than half ended in crashes, and 63 of those resulted in deaths.

For Kathy Lewis, the push for change is about honoring her husband’s memory and keeping a promise to him.