The Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved SB 2222 filed by State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, to provide bullet-resistant windshields for Department of Public Safety patrol vehicles.
“Just a few weeks ago one of our troopers was murdered in cold blood, shot in his patrol car, and we are not going to stand by while our troopers are being ambushed,” Nelson said. “Here in Texas, we back the blue, and passing this bill will help protect our officers from those who would do them harm.”
According to DPS, Texas has seen a 500% increase in attacks on DPS officers in the last two years. According to a news release from her office, Nelson filed SB 2222 in honor of Texas troopers who were ambushed in the line of duty:
- Terry Miller died Oct. 12, 1999, survived by his wife and two daughters
- Randall W. Vetter died Aug. 7, 2000, survived by his wife and infant son
- James Scott Burns died April 29, 2008, survived by his wife and infant child
- Trooper Allen, died Nov. 23, 2008, survived by his wife, three daughters and son
- Charles Pryor sustained a wound to his face Aug. 31, 2019, and has returned to full duty
- Chad Walker died March 31, 2021, survived by his wife, son and three daughters
The bill now heads to the full Senate, and the hearing can be watched at senate.texas.gov/av-archive.php.
Nelson represents District 12, including portions of Tarrant and Denton counties. She is Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the highest-ranking Republican in the Texas Senate.
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