Texas could create impactful reform of the criminal justice system with 'George Floyd Act'

Calls for criminal justice and police accountability reform have been growing louder over the years, but the death of George Floyd in May 2020 may have turned up the volume even more.

The Texas legislature is working through multiple bills that make up its own George Floyd Act. These bills focus on requiring police to aid a suspect of a crime who may be in medical distress (Senate Bill 2212); getting officers to intervene and speak up when they witness use of excessive force (SB 68); standardize discipline for police officers in the state (House Bill 829); corroboration of witness testimony (House Bill 834); and limiting police authority to arrest individuals for Class C misdemeanors that are only punishable by a fine (House Bill 830).

A University of Houston report compiled this year reveals that Texans across the political spectrum support criminal justice reform, from ending arrests for non-jailable offenses (74% support), providing a duty to intervene when police witness excessive force (91% support) and adding more police training on the use of force (91% support).

Here's a look at a few of these bills, and how they could each change police interaction with members of the public and individuals suspected of crimes.

Senate Bill 2212 would require police officers to request and render aid to an individual who is injured, including those who are suspected of crimes. There is no statewide requirement to request and render aid currently. An analysis of the bill notes that there is a limitation: If rendering aid would put an officer in danger, according to an analysis of the bill.

Senate Bill 68 is the legislation that could curb use of excessive force. The bill would require police officers to stop or prevent other officers from using excessive force.

Officers may not intervene when they see colleagues using excessive force for several reasons, including “fear of retaliation by peers and the potential detriment to their own career,” the analysis of Senate Bill 68 states. “Advocates for policies requiring officers to intervene against the use of excessive force by fellow officers argue that these policies will benefit law enforcement organizations by enhancing overall professionalism and relationships with those they serve in their community.”

Inconsistent punishment for officers who use excessive force is a problem, but legislators could create a disciplinary matrix that would create standards. This could limit the number of punishments overturned on appeal, because they’re often thrown out because other officers were punished in different ways.

The SE Texas Record reports that some judges are even calling for criminal justice reform, like U.S. Fifth Circuit Judge Don Willett, who says qualified immunity has "left civic damage."