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TX HB909
Bill
Status
11/12/2024
Primary Sponsor
Senfronia Thompson
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AI Summary
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Creates public entity liability for peace officer misconduct under the "George Floyd Act," allowing individuals to sue state and local governments for civil rights violations by officers, with sovereign immunity waived and qualified immunity defenses prohibited
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Prohibits warrantless arrests for most misdemeanors punishable by fine only, requiring officers to issue citations instead; exceptions include assault by threat/offensive contact and public intoxication offenses
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Requires peace officers to intervene when witnessing another officer using excessive force, to identify themselves before taking official action, and to discontinue neck restraints (choke holds, carotid holds) once threats have passed
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Mandates law enforcement agencies adopt written policies on de-escalation, proportionate use of force, and cite-and-release procedures, with Texas Southern University developing model policies by January 1, 2026
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Establishes mandatory progressive disciplinary matrices for municipal police officers covering infractions including use of force violations, with standardized disciplinary actions based on offense severity and prior conduct records
Legislative Description
Relating to law enforcement misconduct and law enforcement interactions with certain detained or arrested individuals and other members of the public, to public entity liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.
County Government
Last Action
Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
3/6/2025