Abbott Targets Soft-On-Crime District Attorneys In New Bill

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is touting a new bill that targets “rogue” far-left district attorneys (DAs) who refuse to prosecute criminals for certain offenses.

House Bill 17 will allow these soft-on-crime county or district attorneys to be removed from office if they refuse to prosecute certain crimes. The legislation was enacted partially in response to concerns that far-left attorneys will refuse to enforce the state’s abortion restrictions by declining to prosecute those who violate the laws. The bill also comes in the midst of a trend across the country in which far-left district attorneys, often funded by Democrat megadonor George Soros, refuse to prosecute certain crimes including drug possession or theft.

Abbott celebrated the new legislation in a post on Twitter, noting that the district attorneys should be protecting Texas residents from criminals by enforcing the laws of the state.

“A new law I signed will help reign in rogue district attorneys,” the Texas governor tweeted. “Those who want to work in Texas law enforcement must uphold the laws and protect Texans. If not, they will be held accountable.”

HB 17 will allow petitioners to file a motion to dismiss or remove a county attorney or district attorney if the individual is not enforcing the law, or making public statements vowing not to enforce the law. The motion would lead to a trial by jury for the attorney to determine if they should be removed from office.

“A public declaration or announcement by a district attorney or a county attorney of an intent to prohibit the enforcement of any criminal offense is prima facie evidence of an adoption or implementation of a formal or stated policy for purposes of this chapter,” the bill states.

Abbott signed HB 17 and seven other public safety bills into law during a press conference on June 6.

“One thing that we all agree upon is providing resources that will make our communities safer, as well as supporting our law enforcement in the State of Texas,” the Republican governor said during the press conference. “Today, I’m here to sign eight public safety bills from regular session that serve to protect Texans and hold criminals accountable. One of those bills holds rogue district attorneys accountable. If a rogue district attorney wants to be in law enforcement, they have to start by enforcing the laws of the State of Texas.”

“We will sign bills that rein in the rash of illegal street racing. Law enforcement needs more and better tools to crack down on street racing in Texas communities,” he explained. “I’ll also sign a bill to deter catalytic converter theft, punish criminals who remove ankle monitors, and a law that puts violent criminals behind bars for longer if they leave their victim permanently paralyzed or facing serious brain damage. Additionally, I’m signing a law to provide support for our rural law enforcement officers.”