Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2044

Filed

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to matters concerning peace officers, including racial profiling, use of force, equipment, and disciplinary procedures.

Impact

The enactment of HB 2044 will fundamentally reshape the regulatory landscape governing peace officers in Texas. By requiring law enforcement agencies to adopt and publicize policies regarding racial profiling and use of force, the bill seeks to ensure that all officers are held accountable for their actions. This change will enhance public trust in law enforcement by ensuring that complaints related to discriminatory practices are addressed systematically, and relevant data on traffic stops and arrests are transparently reported and analyzed. Additionally, the bill contributes towards a more structured disciplinary framework for law enforcement personnel, reinforcing the need for proper conduct and disincentivizing excessive use of force.

Summary

House Bill 2044 addresses significant aspects concerning peace officers in Texas, particularly focusing on racial profiling, the use of force, and the disciplinary procedures that law enforcement agencies must adopt. The bill mandates that every law enforcement agency implement a detailed written policy that not only defines racial profiling but also forbids it while establishing a complaint process for individuals who feel they have been subjected to it. This aims to promote transparency and accountability within law enforcement, especially in communities impacted by racial profiling incidents.

Contention

Despite its intention to reform police practices, HB 2044 has faced criticism regarding its practical implementation. Critics argue that mandating policies without providing adequate resources and training may not yield the desired outcomes. Law enforcement agencies, especially in smaller jurisdictions, may struggle to comply due to budget constraints, limiting their capacity to adequately train officers and implement new protocols. Furthermore, some advocates for civil rights express concerns that the provided policies may merely be performative without fostering genuine change in police culture or addressing deeper systemic issues.

Latest TX HB2044 Activity

View All Events: TX 2017 - 85th Regular HB2044

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2093

Relating to preventing racial profiling and to video and audio equipment and recordings of certain law enforcement motor vehicle stops; creating an offense.

TX HB4504

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including conforming amendments.

TX HB258

Relating to motorcycle profiling by peace officers.

TX SB218

Relating to the grounds for disciplinary action against peace officers and the use of body worn cameras by peace officers.

TX HB1751

Relating to the collection and reporting of certain information regarding mental health jail diversion.

TX SB616

Relating to motorcycle profiling by peace officers.

TX SB2096

Relating to the use of force by peace officers and other officer interactions and duties.

TX HB127

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB4241

Relating to the act of profiling by a peace officer.

Similar Bills

TX HB2519

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.

TX HB909

TX SB571

Relating to interactions between law enforcement and individuals detained or arrested on suspicion of the commission of criminal offenses, witnesses to the commission of those offenses, and other members of the public, to peace officer liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.