In an announcement put forth this past Monday, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott stated that a new set of rules were already in effect to try and stop the various cities of the state from defunding their police forces, going on to highlight that “we support our law enforcement officers.”
Abbott put his governor’s pen to use on the new law HB 1900 this past June in the wake of stating that the issue of stopping cities from defunding their police forces was now an emergency item during the normal sessions of the 87th legislature of the state.
“Under House Bill 1900, if the Governor’s PSO (Public Safety Office) determines a city has defunded its police department, the city will be subject to tax rate limitations, lose access to certain tax revenues, and be subject to other budgetary requirements and limitations,” claimed the governor’s office in a release.
Announcing the adoption of new Texas Administrative Code rules that will prevent cities from defunding the police.
Texas will always support our law enforcement officers.https://t.co/EWssneyDHb— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) March 7, 2022
“When the city demonstrates it has reversed the reductions, PSO may reverse its defunding determination and the city will no longer be subject to those limitations, reductions, and requirements—unless it defunds its police again,” continued the statement.
Abbott also used the chance to express his support of the law enforcement officers of Texas, making his choice “abundantly clear.”
“My office’s adoption of these new rules will prevent cities from making reckless and downright dangerous decisions to defund the police, ensuring a safer future for Texans all across the Lone Star State,” he stated.
Abbott has already taken time to celebrate the passing, through the Texas House, of the bill back in May via a Twitter post.
“Texas will ALWAYS #BackTheBlue! @GoldmanCraig’s #HB1900 just PASSED in the TX House. This bill cracks down on cities that try to defund police. One step closer to my desk,” tweeted the governor alongside a video clip of himself talking while attending a GOP convention.
“In Texas, we don’t defund or disrespect our police. We support our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” he stated.
Texas will ALWAYS #BackTheBlue!@GoldmanCraig’s #HB1900 just PASSED in the TX House.
This bill cracks down on cities that try to defund police.
One step closer to my desk. #txlege pic.twitter.com/CYSrkGVekF
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 7, 2021
The problem came up when the city of Austin saw backlash from law enforcement officials of Texas after making moves to lower funding from its police department for 2020. As reported by The Daily Wire:
In September 2020, the Texas Municipal Police Association paid to erect two billboards outside of the city warning people coming in that the city had moved to cut some funding from its law enforcement.
“This reckless act, a political stunt by the city council pandering to the radical left, will do nothing but endanger the people of Austin,” the union said in a message posted to Facebook.
“As the largest police association in Texas, it is our duty and responsibility to stand up for the brave men and woman of the APD, as well as the other law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction within the city limits which will have less of APDs resources to depend on, and to raise public awareness of the dangers of defunding not just Austin, but any city across the U.S.,” it added.