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HB 896

Relating to the prohibition on the use of a neck restraint by a peace officer during a search or arrest.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Senfronia Thompson

Texas bill prohibiting peace officers from using neck restraints during arrests or searches, addressing officer use-of-force standards.

Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
#criminalprocedure--general(i0208) #lawenforcement(i0510) #peaceofficers(s0007) #restraints(s0524)
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Bill Summary · HB 896

Legislative bill overview

HB 896 would prohibit peace officers in Texas from using neck restraints during searches or arrests. The bill creates a legal barrier to a specific restraint technique that has been associated with serious injury and death in law enforcement encounters nationwide.

Why is this important

Neck restraints, including chokeholds and similar techniques, have been linked to several high-profile deaths and significant civil rights concerns. This legislation directly addresses use-of-force policy, which affects both officer conduct standards and public safety outcomes in Texas law enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Officer safety vs. restraint limitations: Law enforcement may argue that restricting restraint options limits their ability to control dangerous suspects, while advocates contend safer alternatives exist
  • Definition and scope: The bill's specific language on what constitutes a "neck restraint" and what exceptions (if any) apply could face disputes during legislative debate
  • Training and implementation costs: Agencies would need to retrain officers on alternative techniques, with associated budget implications
  • Liability exposure: Unclear how this would affect officer liability or whether it creates conflicting guidance with existing department policies

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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