Texas House lawmakers have tentatively approved legislation aimed at protecting police officers from being charged with ‘deadly conduct.’
The bill is scheduled for its third and final reading on the House floor, where some Democratic representatives have voiced concerns that this change might encourage reckless behavior among law enforcement.
The proposed legislation, known as House Bill 2436, along with its Senate counterpart, Senate Bill 1637, seeks to exempt law enforcement officers from facing deadly conduct charges for actions taken while carrying out their duties. The Senate version of the bill was passed earlier this month. The bill’s author, Republican Representative Cole Hefner, and other supporters argue that the current broad language allows for officers to be charged with deadly conduct while fulfilling their responsibilities. “This was never meant to target law enforcement officers or the lawful execution of their duties. Unfortunately, it has been misapplied in certain cases,” Hefner stated.
He added, “This does not free them from accountability. They remain subject to Chapter 9 of the penal code, which outlines what is justified and permissible.”
Democratic representatives Harold Dutton and Barbara Gervins Hawkins took part in a debate on Tuesday, seeking guarantees that police officers would still be held accountable. “Can you assure us that this body is not granting immunity?” Hawkins asked.
“This is not immunity,” Hefner replied.
Critics of the legislation argue that it could foster reckless conduct among police officers. Nevertheless, the bill continued to advance with an amendment proposed by Representative Joe Moody, which states that an officer must reasonably believe that the use of their firearm is necessary.
