PORTLAND, Maine (AP) A proposal to remove police officers’ protection from many lawsuits has sparked a passionate discussion during a legislative committee work session.

The bill would end the legal concept of qualified immunity, which protects police officers from most lawsuits stemming from work performed in the line of duty.

Supporters of the proposal on Thursday touted the bill as a means of making police accountable while critics warned of a chilling effect on police recruitment and retention.

The Judiciary Committee work session drew testimony from dozens including police officers and their spouses, civilians, lawmakers and even Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield from Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.