88R14892 JCG-D
 
  By: Huffman, Parker S.B. No. 20
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the enforcement of criminal offenses by district
  attorneys, criminal district attorneys, and county attorneys.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 87, Local Government Code,
  is amended by adding Section 87.0135 to read as follows:
         Sec. 87.0135.  OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT GROUNDS: POLICY OF
  NONENFORCEMENT OF CRIMINAL OFFENSES. (a)  In this section:
               (1)  "Policy" includes a formal, written rule or policy
  and an informal, unwritten policy.
               (2)  "Prosecuting attorney" means a district attorney
  or a county attorney with criminal jurisdiction.
         (b)  A prosecuting attorney may not:
               (1)  adopt or enforce a policy under which the
  prosecuting attorney prohibits or materially limits the
  enforcement of any criminal offense; or
               (2)  as demonstrated by pattern or practice, prohibit
  or materially limit the enforcement of any criminal offense.
         (c)  In compliance with Subsection (b), a prosecuting
  attorney may not prohibit or materially limit a peace officer or
  attorney who is employed by or otherwise under the direction or
  control of the prosecuting attorney from enforcing any criminal
  offense.
         (d)  A prosecuting attorney who violates this section
  commits official misconduct for purposes of removal under this
  subchapter.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2023.