Report
Criminal Justice Reform
in the 87th Texas Legislature

Key Observations:

  • Public opinion has shifted in such a  way  that it  was difficult for  police departments and police unions to mischaracterize reformers as radical.
  • Almost every  policing representative stated that qualified immunity  was necessary  for  officers to do their  job..
  • As researchers and policy  advocates, there is a  need to develop new  strategies and campaigns aimed at providing the research so that policymakers can make the most informed decisions..
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Criminal Justice Reform

Criminal Justice Reform

The 87th legislature of the State of Texas began on January 12, 2021, and concluded on May 31, 2021. Texas lawmakers convened under circumstances that were particularly unique. First, the legislative session began just six days after the historic riot at the nation’s capital in Washington, DC, in which right-leaning protestors stormed the Capitol. Additionally, the session opened while the State of Texas and most of the nation were under restrictive measures due to the COVID-19 shutdown. The handling of COVID-19 was highly politicized, with conservative and liberal lawmakers taking vastly different approaches in handling the pandemic. It is within this larger context we provide a deeper understanding and analysis of the legislative bills across the state.

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Criminal Justice Reform
Criminal Justice Reform