Governor Abbot’s Proposed Police Protection Act

by Eric

1235276-654361by Emilio Hernandez
Special to TownTalk News
info@www.towntalkradio.com

In the wake of the July 7th sniper shooting of five police officers in Dallas, Governor Greg Abbott has proposed an initiative to combat crimes against law enforcement.

Known as the Police Protection Act, this law would extend hate crime protections to law enforcement officers statewide.

Brownfield Police Chief Tony Serbantez agrees with Governor Abbott’s proposal. There has to be a form of protection for police officers,” Serbantez said in a Town Talk Radio interview.

If adopted and signed into law, Serbantez said, “it is my hope this law will help minimize crimes against police officers.”

Additionally, Serbantez feels strongly that community awareness is vital for insuring safety for everyone. Serbantez wants all people to know if anyone has questions about policy, procedure, or needs clarification about an issue, his department is willing to help where possible.

Currently the Texas Hate Crimes Act defines such offenses as “crimes motivated by prejudice, hatred, or advocacy of violence.” Like the federal statute, Texas does recognize crimes against protected groups of people.

Protected groups include: disability, nationality, and race. Gender-identity and sexual-orientation were added to existing federal law in 2009.

The pending Police Protection Act would also increase penalties against law enforcement. For example, assault against a law enforcement officer would be elevated to a 2nd degree felony.

Finally, this proposal would attempt to establish a culture of respect by teaching Texans the value law enforcement brings to communities.

The Governor will bring this proposal to the Texas Legislature for a vote in 2017.

The Texas Hate Crimes Act was ratified in 2001 under Governor Perry. The federal Hate Crimes Law was ratified in 1969 under President Nixon.

It is important to remember both laws work to insure people of protected groups are defended, but know that states have varying definitions of what is a hate crime.

The Police Protection Act is not an addendum to the Texas Hate Crimes Act, but a separate proposal.

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