The Albany Common Council has put a law that would ban police from using tear gas and rubber bullets on hold.
Councilors backed away from a vote Monday night on Local Law C, agreeing it needs more discussion and unspecified "modifications."
9th Ward Common Councilor Judy Doesschate originally introduced the measure. A show of hands sealed its fate, for now.
"It's an exercise in futility if I put it up for a vote, and then there's a motion to table, which would be in order, and um, so, two-thirds, eight people who would vote that way, I'm not gonna take us through that exercise."
15th ward Councilor Tom Hoey:
"I know we got a lot of work to do. Very disappointed, but there's always tomorrow."
A controversial proposed amendment would allow police to use tear gas in a situation determined to be a riot.
With a veto looming, Mayor Kathy Sheehan said Friday she supports restricted use of tear gas and rubber bullets.
The virtual meeting garnered more than 1,300 viewer comments on Facebook.
