Governor Greg Abbott announced via Twitter that the Texas Legislative Council has sent a draft of legislation “that would transfer control of the Austin Police Department to the Texas Department of Public Safety.”
This move comes after the City of Austin cut about one third of their police budget earlier in the year. Governor Abbott was critical of the move at the time, hinting then that the cuts would be offset by the Texas DPS. Abbot also promised last week that “Texas will pass a law this session supporting law enforcement and defunding cities that defund police.”
The Austin Police Association responded to Governor Abbott on twitter, saying that they are “looking forward to working with the 87th Texas Leg. on addressing problems caused by Austin City Council.”
The text of the proposed legislation has not yet been released.
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