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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to notification requirements for deaths caused by peace |
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officers. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 2, Code of Criminal Procedure, is |
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amended by adding Article 2.1391 to read as follows: |
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Art. 2.1391. NOTICE REQUIRED FOR DEATH CAUSED BY OFFICER. |
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(a) As soon as practicable after a peace officer causes the death |
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of another while in the discharge of the officer's duties, the law |
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enforcement agency that employs the officer shall notify the |
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immediate family and household members of the deceased individual |
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of the death and provide a chaplain, victim services professional, |
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or peace officer employed by the agency to: |
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(1) console the immediate family or household members; |
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and |
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(2) provide information regarding relevant resources |
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available in the community. |
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(b) An action taken by a law enforcement agency or a |
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chaplain, victim services professional, or peace officer in |
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accordance with this article may not be construed as an admission |
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of liability on behalf of the agency or the peace officer who caused |
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the death. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |