Texas House committee takes up George Floyd Act, gun bills

AUSTIN –– The Texas House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety Thursday is taking up the George Floyd Act along with numerous police reform and firearm bills.

The two hot-button issues, which have been front and center over the last year –– and especially the last week with the shootings in Boulder, Colorado, and Atlanta –– are expected to spark impassioned marathon hearings.

The George Floyd Act (HB 88), filed by Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, would ban chokeholds and require deadly force to end the “moment the imminent threat of death” is eliminated. It would also create the duty to intervene and render aid for officers witnessing excessive force.

The bill additionally addresses qualified immunity, which has largely protected law enforcement officers from individual liability. HB 88 also seeks to end arrests for non-jailable, fine-only violations. HB 54, filed by Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock, would prohibit law enforcement officers from contracting with television crews for reality shows.

Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, was killed after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck until he was unresponsive. National protests ensued, including in all major cities across Texas. Thursday’s hearing arrives 10 months after Floyd was killed.

Several pieces of NRA-supported firearm legislation are also being taken up in Thursday’s hearing, including four bills that would allow permitless carry of firearms in the state.

The hearings are expected to begin upon final adjournment of the House, which convenes at 10 a.m. It is unclear if a vote will be taken.