87R2122 ADM-D
By: Meza H.B. No. 563
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to law enforcement policies requiring a peace officer to
intervene when another peace officer uses excessive force or
commits an offense.
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 INTERVENTION. (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 requiring peace officers employed by the
agency to intervene to stop or prevent another peace officer from:
(1) using excessive force against a person suspected
of committing an offense, if an ordinary, prudent peace officer
would intervene under the same or similar circumstances; or
(2) committing an offense.
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.