Texas House Bill HB1513

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to law enforcement policies prohibiting a peace officer from using less lethal projectiles for the purpose of controlling the activity or movement of a gathering of people.

Impact

The impact of HB1513 on state laws includes an amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure, specifically adding Article 2.33. This addition will lead to a uniform policy across all law enforcement agencies within the state, effectively banning the use of less lethal projectiles in managing crowds. This change is positioned to enhance public safety and foster greater community trust in law enforcement practices, aligning policing tactics with contemporary views on the use of force.

Summary

House Bill 1513 aims to establish stricter regulations surrounding the use of less lethal projectiles by law enforcement agencies during crowd control situations. The bill mandates that all law enforcement agencies in Texas must adopt a policy prohibiting the use of such projectiles for managing the activities or movement of groups of people. Less lethal projectiles refer to ammunition designed to incapacitate individuals while minimizing the risk of serious injury or death, including items like rubber bullets and bean bag rounds.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding this bill, primarily related to the implications for law enforcement's ability to respond to large gatherings and demonstrations. Supporters argue that prohibiting less lethal projectiles can reduce the potential for harm during protests and public events, thereby fostering safer environments. However, opponents may express concerns regarding law enforcement's capability to control violent situations without access to such means, potentially leading to escalated conflicts between officers and individuals in crowds. This underscores the ongoing debate about the balance between public safety and the appropriate use of force by law enforcement.