Texas Version of the - "Walter Scott Notification Act"
Texas Version of the - "Walter Scott Notification Act"
Greeting Governor Greg Abbott | Texas House / Senate
Subject: State-Mandated Database
Hello, I pray this message reaches you well. Considering what has taken place with the George Floyd case (in Minnesota), I am asking that you support / introduce a Texas version of the Walter Scott Notification Act (of 2017). This bill was introduced by Sen. Tim Scott and cosponsored by Sen. Chuck Grassley, who is chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Although Texas has taken a major initial step with HB 1036, to lead the way, what’s lacking is the state law doesn't include any measures to enforce police reporting of officer-involved shootings, therefore allowing it to remain in the self-reporting stage.
In Texas, such a bill would create the first state-mandated database of police shootings, with an enforcement clause attached. Information included would be all things noted in HB 1036 such as follows:
- The victim’s name, race, age, and sex
- The officer’s name, race, age, and sex;
- Whether the victim was armed or not
- A description of the weapon used by law enforcement
- A detailed description of the event
- The finding from law enforcement as to whether the shooting was justified or not. Etc.
Enforcement Clause - Any city which refuses to comply would face a minimum of a 10 percent reduction in state law enforcement grants and funds. In light of all that is taking place in our nation, this bill is needed now, more than ever before.
I ask that you act today, so that we will not have another uprising due to nonaction on such an important piece of legislation. Please consider my request and get this bill moving forward.
Humbly,
Concerned Citizen