Texas Senate Bill SB1545

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The legislation directly influences existing state laws by introducing specific requirements for law enforcement practices. It emphasizes that officers must only use force that is proportionate to the threat presented and requires immediate intervention by officers if they observe inappropriate use of force by their peers. Additionally, the bill limits the circumstances under which force can be used, particularly concerning deadly force and choke holds, helping to ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within defined legal and ethical boundaries.

Summary

Senate Bill 1545, known as the Breonna Taylor and Atatiana Jefferson Safe Use of Force Act, seeks to reform the use of force protocols for law enforcement agencies in Texas. The bill mandates that each law enforcement agency adopt a model policy regarding the use of force, promoting de-escalation strategies and the use of less lethal methods. This policy aims to align with new expectations for officer conduct during their interactions with the public, especially in sensitive situations like welfare checks.

Contention

While many support SB1545 as a necessary step towards more accountable law enforcement practices, the bill does not escape controversy. Some law enforcement agencies express concerns regarding the feasibility of the mandates, particularly the mandated training and policy changes. Another point of contention revolves around the potential for decreased officer safety in rapidly evolving situations where the use of force may be necessary to protect themselves or civilians. Supporters argue that with proper training and adherence to de-escalation techniques, these concerns can be mitigated.