A large majority of Texans support criminal justice reform bills filed by legislators, according to a survey by the University of Houston.
Two bills filed in the Senate and House and named after George Floyd, whose death at the hands of Minneapolis police sparked national and worldwide protests, will be considered by lawmakers this session.
HB 88, filed by Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) and SB 161, filed by Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas) will order police officers to not use lethal force when a lesser level of force could work. Known as the Texas George Floyd Act, the measure will also ban chokeholds, require officers to intervene if another officer is using excessive force, limit the immunity of police officers from civil lawsuits, and end arrests for fine-only offenses.
According to the survey, the George Floyd Act is supported by 72% of all Texans, with 52% strongly supporting and 20% backing it to some extent. Another 18% strongly oppose the proposed legislation. More than nine of 10 Texans, 91%, believe there should be a requirement for officers to intervene if they observe another using excessive force.
A ban on the use of lethal force is another method is workable is supported by 84% of the public, with strong backing from 60%, the survey reported.
Police offices should be banned from using chokeholds, according to 77% of respondents, while 74% believe suspects should not be arrested for fine-only offenses, including traffic violations and disorderly conduct, the university study noted.
A limit on immunity of police officers from civil lawsuits is backed by 72% of Texans, with just over half strongly supporting the provision.
More than nine of 10 either support in some part or strongly back the requirement that law enforcement training in de-escalation and use of force should be the be strengthened.
Other elements of the bill also received support in the survey, with 77% backing the reduction to a citation and fine of $250 for possession of small amounts of marijuana, which currently draws a sentence of up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
The university found that the lowest level of support (69%) was for the provision allowing most charged with misdemeanor offenses to be automatically released from jail on no-cash bonds.
