88R13211 CJD-F
By: Garcia H.B. No. 3704
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to notification requirements for deaths caused by peace
officers.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 2, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
amended by adding Article 2.1391 to read as follows:
Art. 2.1391. NOTICE REQUIRED FOR DEATH CAUSED BY OFFICER.
(a) As soon as practicable after a peace officer causes the death
of another while in the discharge of the officer's duties, the law
enforcement agency that employs the officer shall notify the
immediate family and household members of the deceased individual
of the death and provide a chaplain, victim services professional,
or peace officer employed by the agency to:
(1) console the immediate family or household members;
and
(2) provide information regarding relevant resources
available in the community.
(b) An action taken by a law enforcement agency or a
chaplain, victim services professional, or peace officer in
accordance with this article may not be construed as an admission
of liability on behalf of the agency or the peace officer who caused
the death.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.