87R2124 ADM-D
By: Meza H.B. No. 562
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to law enforcement policies regarding de-escalation and
proportionate response.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 2, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
amended by adding Article 2.33 to read as follows:
Art. 2.33. LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICY ON DE-ESCALATION AND
PROPORTIONATE RESPONSE. (a) In this article, "law enforcement
agency" means an agency of the state or an agency of a political
subdivision of the state authorized by law to employ peace
officers.
(b) Each law enforcement agency in this state shall adopt a
detailed written policy regarding the use of force by peace
officers employed by the agency. The policy must:
(1) emphasize the use of conflict de-escalation
techniques; and
(2) authorize force to be used by officers only after
attempts to de-escalate a situation have failed.
SECTION 2. Not later than January 1, 2022, each law
enforcement agency in this state shall adopt the policy required by
Article 2.33, Code of Criminal Procedure, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.