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TX HB4493
Bill
Status
3/12/2025
Primary Sponsor
Jolanda Jones
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AI Summary
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Requires peace officers to immediately administer a standardized 12-question lethality assessment protocol when responding to family violence calls where there is physical evidence of assault, the victim shows fear or distress, or there is an ongoing safety threat
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Officers must inform victims identified as high risk (answering "yes" to any of the first 5 questions or 4+ total questions) of their danger level, contact a family violence center, escort victims from the premises or provide standby assistance, and explain protective order procedures
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Law enforcement agencies must maintain records of all lethality assessments conducted, including number of assessments, high-risk cases identified, and victim referrals, and report this data to the Department of Public Safety
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Department of Public Safety must submit an annual report to the legislature by May 30 each year compiling statewide data on use of the lethality assessment protocol
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Texas Commission on Law Enforcement must establish a mandatory training program on administering the protocol and recognizing high-risk cases; new officers must complete training starting January 1, 2026, and currently licensed officers must complete it by September 1, 2029
Legislative Description
Relating to the duty of a peace officer to use a standardized lethality assessment protocol when investigating a family violence allegation or responding to a disturbance call that may involve family violence; providing training requirements for peace officers and reporting requirements for the Department of Public Safety.
Family
Last Action
Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
4/3/2025