Texas 88th 4th C.S.

Homeland Security & Public Safety Aug 15th, 2024 at 10:08 am

House Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee

Key Moments

  • Jarvis Johnson — Vice Chair Johnson attended the meeting and acknowledged that there is a substantial amount of material to discuss during the session.
  • Jarvis Johnson — Vice Chair Johnson was noted as present during the proceedings.
  • Rhetta Andrews Bowers — Representative Bowers was present at the meeting and proposed that the discussion begin with the agenda.
  • Rhetta Andrews Bowers — Representative Bowers asked about the number of training hours regarding the curriculum discussed.
  • Terry Canales — Representative Canales confirmed presence at the meeting.
  • Ryan Guillen — Chair Gideon opened the meeting by thanking all participants for their commitment and expressing appreciation for the cooperation within the committee. He outlined the registration procedures for witnesses and set time limits for their testimony. Chair Gideon emphasized the significance of bill SB 602 for law enforcement at borders and introduced Assistant Chief Derek Prestridge, thanking Chris Cabrera for his insights. He then introduced the discussion surrounding SB 602 and the witnesses representing various organizations. Acknowledging the neutral testimonies of Chris Cabrera, Assistant Chief Derek Prestridge, and Tanya Allstreet, Chair Gideon highlighted the importance of addressing funding questions related to Next Generation 9-1-1 and underscored the need for fair utilization of these funds. Concluding the meeting, he praised its productivity and announced plans to reconvene discussions.
  • Ryan Guillen — Chair Gideon highlighted the critical need for stakeholders to remain well-informed about Next Generation 9-1-1 to facilitate a successful implementation. Additionally, she stressed the significance of developing effective training strategies to support this implementation process. These elements are crucial for ensuring that all personnel involved are adequately prepared to utilize the new system effectively.
  • Ryan Guillen — Chair Gideon emphasized the importance of reviewing objectives for Next Generation 9-1-1 as rollouts continue and thanked participants for their insights.
  • Jarvis Johnson — It appears that the provided summaries about Jarvis Johnson do not originate from the files uploaded. However, based on the information given, here is a single cohesive summary: "Jarvis Johnson actively engaged in the discussions, contributing his insights and perspectives during the proceedings." If you need a more detailed summary or additional context, please provide more information or instructions!
  • Jarvis Johnson — Vice Chair Johnson acknowledged the necessity of less-than-lethal force devices but raised some concerns.
  • Rhetta Andrews Bowers — It seems that there isn't any further information regarding the discussions involving Rhetta Bowers in the uploaded files. However, based on the provided summaries, the consolidated statement would be: Rhetta Bowers actively participated in the discussion, contributing her perspectives and insights on the topics at hand.
  • Rhetta Andrews Bowers — Chair Bowers expressed significant concerns regarding the use of taxpayer money, particularly highlighting the potential for duplicative efforts and assets. In discussions with the Department of Public Safety (DPS), he emphasized the importance of ensuring that funding is utilized efficiently and effectively, without unnecessary overlaps or redundancy in resource allocation.
  • Rhetta Andrews Bowers — Representative Bowers expressed gratitude for the testimony provided during the hearing.
  • Terry Canales — Terry Canales participated in the discussion.
  • Ryan Guillen — It appears that no further context or details were provided regarding Ryan Guillen's participation in the discussion, as the summaries you mentioned are repetitive and lack additional information. Based on what you've provided, here is a concise summary: "Ryan Guillen was actively involved in the discussion, contributing to the dialogue." If you have more specific details or additional summaries that need to be incorporated, please provide them, and I'll create a more comprehensive summary.
  • Ryan Guillen — Chairman Guillen is presiding over the House Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee meeting.
  • Ryan Guillen — In a recent meeting, Chair Gideon addressed concerns raised by Andrew Fredericks regarding the oversight of the transition, highlighting the crucial role of collaboration in the implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 services. Additionally, Chairman Guillen was present during the discussions, contributing to the overall dialogue on these important issues.
  • Ryan Guillen — Chair Gideon emphasized the importance of communication during the transition to new technologies.
  • Mark Dorazio — It appears that there were no relevant documents containing details about Mark Dorazio's participation in the discussion. Nevertheless, based on the provided summaries, a consolidated summary would be: "Mark Dorazio actively participated in the discussion, contributing his insights and perspectives." If there are more specific details or context you would like to include, please provide them, or if there are other topics you'd like to address, let me know!
  • Vikki Goodwin — The information provided repeats the point that Vikki Goodwin participated in a discussion. Since there's only this content, the summary remains straightforward: Vikki Goodwin actively engaged in the discussion.
  • Sam Harless — It appears that there are no relevant documents or sections in your uploaded files specifically discussing Sam Harless's participation in a discussion. Therefore, I am unable to create a comprehensive summary that combines multiple points about this without further context. If you can provide additional details or context regarding the discussion or the content you're referring to, I'd be more than happy to assist!
  • Sam Harless — Chairman Harless acknowledged the importance of addressing communication issues, specifically fiber cuts.
  • Sam Harless — Chairman Harless addressed Mr. John regarding questions about the drone program.
  • Justin Holland — It appears that there are no additional details or context available regarding Justin Holland's participation in the discussion. From the information provided, Justin Holland took part in the discussion. If you have more specific content or details to incorporate or if there are additional summaries you would like to include, please provide them.
  • Justin Holland — Andrew Holland was contacted by the Chairman regarding network issues.
  • Justin Holland — The Chairman referred to a map provided by Andrew regarding call patterns in Potter and Randall County.
  • Ellen Troxclair — Ellen Troxclair actively participated in the discussion.
  • Ellen Troxclair — Representative Troxler clarified the intent of the bill regarding Border Patrol's authority to arrest individuals committing crimes.
  • Jarvis Johnson — Representative Johnson addressed the Houston Police Department during a legislative session, noting that there were no further questions from the department representatives. He also inquired about the use of force continuum, seeking clarity on the available options within the police department's protocols. This indicates a focus on understanding the policies that govern police conduct and the decision-making processes involved in varying levels of force.
  • Ryan Guillen — Chair Guillen expressed willingness to collaborate on the bill and ensure accountability regarding less-than-deadly devices.
  • Jarvis Johnson — Jarvis Johnson sought clarification on the market percentage of TASER products in Texas, particularly the TASER-10.
  • Jarvis Johnson — Vice Chair Johnson is acknowledged by Chief Bo Kidd as he begins his testimony.
  • Rhetta Andrews Bowers — Representative Bowers addresses concerns related to the shelf life of munitions, elaborating on various factors that influence how long munitions remain effective and safe to use. He revisits a question previously posed regarding this issue, aiming to clarify important details about the longevity and reliability of munitions over time.
  • Rhetta Andrews Bowers — Representative Bowers poses a follow-up question regarding police engagement.
  • Rhetta Andrews Bowers — Representative Bowers inquires about the cost of a TASER-10 cartridge.
  • Terry Canales — Terry Canales raised a series of concerns regarding the deployment and management of less-lethal munitions, particularly focusing on the TASER-10 and bean bag rounds. He expressed apprehension about the district attorney's interpretation of the TASER-10 situation and the implications of its use in law enforcement across Texas. Canales inquired into historical incidents related to bean bag rounds, noting concerns from medical professionals raised in 2020 and public worries during protests about their effects. He highlighted the condition of bean bag munitions and questioned whether injuries linked to less-lethal weapons could be attributed to defects or the expired status of the devices used. Canales was particularly surprised by the severity of injuries sustained, emphasizing that these munitions are intended to be non-lethal and aimed at preventing fatalities. He also sought clarity on the lifespan and inventory management practices of these munitions, including their expiration protocols, advocating for the proper disposal of expired munitions to mitigate risks, akin to how one would handle expired food. Lastly, he reiterated the importance of this practice to ensure safety during training scenarios.
  • Terry Canales — Terry Canales recognized Sheriff Brian Hawthorne and confirmed his neutral testimony on behalf of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas regarding the significance of less-than-lethal options in rural law enforcement. Canales highlighted the importance of these devices for both officer safety and public protection, as emphasized by Sheriff Hawthorne. Additionally, he facilitated the introduction of Chief Gene Ellis following Hawthorne's testimony.
  • Terry Canales — In a recent discussion, Terry Canales highlighted the insights shared by Chief Gene Ellis regarding the critical role of less-lethal tools in law enforcement, particularly within smaller agencies that often face personnel constraints. Chief Ellis emphasized that these tools are essential for enhancing the safety and effectiveness of law enforcement officers, especially given the unique challenges that Texas agencies encounter.
  • Ryan Guillen — Chairman Guillen is acknowledged by Chief Bo Kidd as he begins his testimony.
  • Mark Dorazio — Representative Frazier previously discussed the tracking of issued devices.
  • Vikki Goodwin — Representative Goodwin inquires about policies regarding expiration dates of munitions.
  • Vikki Goodwin — Representative Goodwin's earlier question highlights the discussion about the term 'less lethal.'
  • Sam Harless — During a recent committee meeting, Chairman Harless facilitated discussions focused on the use of less-lethal options in law enforcement, emphasizing their importance in improving officer safety and decision-making in violent situations. The meeting included testimonies from several key witnesses, including John Wilkerson and Sheriff Brian Hawthorne. Chairman Harless first sought clarification on market statistics for the TASER-10 in Texas from Ms. Nadine before inviting John Wilkerson to provide his insights. Wilkerson highlighted the critical role that less-lethal options play in reducing risks for officers and discussed the factors influencing officers' decisions to use such force. He stressed the importance of ensuring fair treatment within the criminal justice system for officers who are faced with challenging situations and reiterated the commitment of the Texas Narcotics Officers Association (TNPA) to collaborate with the committee on relevant issues. Following Wilkerson, Sheriff Brian Hawthorne provided testimony on the unique challenges faced by rural officers, advocating for less-than-lethal devices that can assist smaller-framed officers in emergency scenarios. He underscored the necessity of these technologies to enhance officer response capabilities. Chief Gene Ellis, representing the Texas Police Chiefs Association, also presented neutral testimony, discussing the significance of less-lethal options for law enforcement safety. He offered insights into the role of police and the use of force continuum, echoing the sentiments shared by the previous speakers on the need for effective response tools in law enforcement. Through these testimonies, the committee underscored a shared commitment to exploring less-lethal technologies to better support law enforcement operations and the safety of officers in the field.
  • Sam Harless — Chairman Harless acknowledges the discussion and invites Representative Proctor-Claire to speak.
  • Justin Holland — Representative Holland raises a question about inventory management and tracking of devices.
  • Jarvis Johnson — Vice Chair Jarvis Johnson asks Dr. Kroll about the effects of being tased on the body.
  • Jarvis Johnson — Vice Chair Jarvis Johnson has raised important concerns regarding the use of tasers in law enforcement, particularly their effectiveness in high-stress situations. He noted that when officers command individuals to drop their weapons while simultaneously using a taser, the interplay of commands and the effect of the taser may hinder compliance. Moreover, he shared a troubling instance involving a Taser being deployed on a mental health patient in Fort Bend County, highlighting potential issues with the application of such force in sensitive scenarios. Johnson also inquired about the mindset and training of officers when it comes to effectively handling situations involving mental health patients, emphasizing the need for specialized approaches in these contexts to ensure both the safety of the individual and the officers involved.
  • Jarvis Johnson — Vice Chair Jarvis Johnson highlights significant concerns regarding the expectation that individuals will drop their weapons when a Taser is activated. He emphasizes the need for clarity on the training that officers receive related to this scenario. Additionally, he addresses the disconnect between the anticipated compliance from individuals during Taser use and the actual impacts this expectation can have on the situation at hand. Johnson’s remarks underline the importance of understanding the complexities involved in interactions where Tasers are deployed, particularly in high-stress environments.
  • Ryan Guillen — Chairman Ryan Guillen calls Director Brent Dupree to provide testimony.
  • Vikki Goodwin — Representative Vikki Goodwin inquires about the use of mental health first aid training in relation to Chief Kidd's comments.