The Texas Senate passed a bill along with the promise of being signed by Governor Greg Abbott that would protect law-enforcement officers when they use less lethal projectiles, such as rubber bullets, tasers, bean bag guns, or stun guns. According to Senate Bill 2593, a less-than-lethal projectile device means any device, munition, or projectile used to incapacitate the target, while minimizing bodily injury or death. 

“Texas Senate advances a bill to protect law enforcement officers from being prosecuted for certain offenses when they use nonlethal projectile weapons. I will sign this law,” tweeted Governor Abbott. “Police shouldn’t be punished for protecting their communities.”

The bill removes criminal liabilities from law enforcement officers using these types of projectile devices in the case that they unintentionally cause serious harm or death. The bill clearly states that officers cannot use this defense if they have the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury. Plus, the bill does not protect officers using these devices outside of their official officer duty.

Concerns from state senators about this bill were that it would encourage the reckless use of a less-than-lethal projection. The state senator who authored the bill justified it by saying, “Criminal justice research has persistently demonstrated that a small percentage of police encounters with the public involve using force. The data shows that less lethal devices, such as tasers, beanbags, and rubber projectiles can reduce injury rates for suspects and officers compared to the more lethal options such as firearms,” said Texas Senator Drew Springer.

Senate Bill 2593 passed the Senate by an 18-12 vote.