TITLE: Relating to use of force reporting by peace officers.

SUMMARY: Relating to use of force reporting by peace officers.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to use of force reporting 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 2.33 to read as follows: Art. 2.33. USE OF FORCE REPORTING. (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 shall require each peace officer employed by the agency to submit a detailed report to the agency regarding each incident in which the officer uses force, or witnesses another officer use force, against a person suspected of committing an offense. (c) The report must include: (1) a description of the force used by the peace officer; (2) an explanation as to why the degree of force used was necessary; and (3) if applicable, a description of any attempt that was made by the peace officer to de-escalate the situation before the force was used. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.