Texas Bills Would Limit Use of Stun Guns

Feb. 27--AUSTIN -- State Rep. Lon Burnam is taking his effort to put more oversight to how law enforcement agencies use Tasers or other stun guns back to the drawing board.

Burnam, a Fort Worth Democrat, scrapped his original bill to limit the use of electroshock weapons by police and replaced it Monday with four separate pieces of legislation that would require uniform training standards and reporting procedures for all police agencies in the state. The package would also require officers to obtain medical help for anyone they use a stun gun on and prohibit their use by anyone without proper training.

Another lawmaker, state Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, filed a bill that would place a one-year moratorium on police use of stun guns so that state officials can evaluate their effectiveness.

Burnam said his legislation would better ensure that the weapons are used safely by both police and civilians.

"It can be a great tool for law enforcement if used correctly, and that's why a statewide training program is so important," Burnam said. "I think both law enforcement and civilians recognize the importance of proper training and monitoring of Taser use."

But Charley Wilkison, a spokesman for the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, warned that the initiatives by the two Democrats could have unintended and even deadly consequences for officers and suspects.

"You have to ask if these edicts from the top of the mountain would be better than having local law enforcement agencies that are responsive to their local communities setting the policies and guidelines for and standards for the use of these devices," said Wilkinson, whose organization represents about 15,000 Texas officers.

Coleman said his bill to halt the use of stun guns would force Texas police to review policies, which would result in greater public safety.

"At times, Tasers have been used improperly by law enforcement officers to subdue individuals who do not pose a serious danger to themselves or others, including the mentally ill," Coleman said.

IN THE KNOW

What they'd do

Bills filed Monday that would affect the use of Tasers and other stun guns by police and civilians:

House Bill 1933 by Burnam would require every Texas law enforcement agency to develop a policy for stun-gun use.

House Bill 1934 by Burnam would direct the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education to create a statewide training program for the weapons' use by officers.

House Bill 1935 by Burnam would prohibit civilians from carrying a stun gun without a license and training.

House Bill 1936 by Burnam would require police to summon medical help for anyone they use a stun gun on.

House Bill 1304 by Coleman would place a one-year moratorium on police use of the shock weapons.

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John Moritz, 512-476-4294 jmoritz@star-telegram.com

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