Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday, July 18, announced his proposed Police Protection Act, which would make it tougher on people who commit crimes against law enforcement officers.
Abbott, a Republican, said the proposal comes after two high-profile attacks that targeted police officers—one that left five officers dead in Dallas earlier this month and another on Sunday in neighboring Louisiana that killed three officers.
“At a time when law enforcement officers increasingly come under assault simply because of the job they hold, Texas must send a resolute message that the State will stand by the men and women who serve and protect our communities,” Abbott said in a statement.
The proposal would also make it a hate crime for anyone who commits a crime against a law enforcement officer in the state out of bias against police. Abbott will deliver the proposal to the Texas Legislature for 2017, his office said.
“While our state and the nation continue to mourn the heroes lost in Dallas, it is time for us to unite as Texans to say no more,” Abbott added. “The men and women in uniform risk their lives every day to protect the public, and it is time we show them the State of Texas has their back. Texas will no longer tolerate disrespect for those who serve, and it must be made clear to anyone targeting our law enforcement officials that their actions will be met with severe justice.”
