AUSTIN, TX – Texas House lawmakers last night passed HB-929, ‘The Botham Jean Act Safe at Home Bill’.
‘Bo’s Law,’ as it’s called and authored by Rep. Carl Sherman of DeSoto, was prompted by the police killing over 2 years ago of the 26-year old Jean in his apartment by former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger.
It would set new standards for how and when police body cam are turned off during and investigation, and would strengthen and clarify the Castle Doctrine.
Under Texas law, the Castle Doctrine allows someone to use deadly force to protect their home, car or business
The bill also eliminates ‘mistake of fact’ as a legal defense; defense argued by Guyger’s lawyers since she believed that she was in her own apartment when she shot Jean.
Guyger was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Her lawyer last month filed an appeal of the sentence and is seeking a lesser charge.
A ruling on that appeal is pending.
Meantime, amendments to ‘Bo’s Law’ are to be ironed out before final passage.
