Bill > SB161

This bill, known as the George Floyd Act, makes several key changes: 1. It creates a new chapter in the Civil Practice and Remedies Code allowing people to bring civil actions against peace officers who, under color of law, deprive them of rights under the Texas Constitution. It removes certain legal defenses like qualified immunity and requires public entities to indemnify officers except in cases of criminal convictions. 2. It amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to require peace officers to identify themselves, intervene if another officer uses excessive force, and provide medical aid. It also mandates that law enforcement agencies adopt policies on the use of force and de-escalation. 3. It limits the circumstances under which peace officers can arrest people for Class C misdemeanors punishable only by fine, requiring them to instead issue citations in most cases. 4. It requires law enforcement agencies to implement progressive disciplinary matrices for officer misconduct, with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement developing a model policy. It also impacts collective bargaining agreements related to police discipline. 5. It amends the Penal Code to restrict certain uses of force by peace officers, including prohibiting techniques that impede breathing or circulation. The bill aims to increase accountability and reform law enforcement practices in Texas.