Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has pledged to rein in “rogue” prosecutors after signing a bill that allows courts to remove district attorneys for misconduct if they opt to not pursue certain types of crimes.
“A new law I signed will help rein in rogue district attorneys,” Abbott said in a tweet Monday.
Abbott signed House Bill 17 (pdf) into law earlier this month, with the measure going into effect on Sept. 1.
“Those who want to work in Texas law enforcement must uphold the laws and protect Texans,” he said in the tweet. “If not, they will be held accountable.”
The measure seeks to hold elected prosecutors accountable by prohibiting the refusal to prosecute certain types of offenses. Specifically, it treats such refusal as an act of official misconduct that is grounds for removal from office….