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Texas Gov. Abbott Introduces New Rules To Stop ‘Defund The Police’ In Big Cities

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Republican Governor. Greg Abbott proposed new rules which would prevent large Texas cities like Austin from funding police.

It’s taken quite some time to get the new administrative rules in place, as the law that paved the way for them was signed last July. 

The new rules were immediately effective.

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Gov. Abbott: ‘Texas remains a law-and-order state and we continue to make it abundantly clear that we support our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line’

The governor’s in a StatementOn Monday, the city was informed of what penalties they would face for defunding their police force. 

  • There will be tax rates limitations for the city. 
  • Certain tax revenue streams will be lost by the city
  • Other budgetary restrictions and limits will apply to the city.

However, the rules state that this applies only to cities with a population greater than 250,000 residents – accounting only for Texas’ 12 largest cities.

“When the city demonstrates it has reversed the reductions, PSO (The Texas Public Safety Office) 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,” the statement said.

The governor made it “abundantly clear” that he and Texas support the police.

Abbott spoke out. “Texas remains a law-and-order state and we continue to make it abundantly clear that we support our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep communities safe.”

“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,” the governor added.

In May, Abbott previously celebrated the bill’s passage in the Texas House on social media. 

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Respond to the Defund

The Texas Tribune reported that Austin, Texas’ capital, voted to reduce a third the budget for police.

Last August, the Austin City Council voted to cut and reallocate a third of its police department’s then-$434 million budget. Some of the money was redirected to violence prevention and food access programs, while other funds were reduced so duties like forensic sciences and victims’ services could be moved to other departments.