Legislation introduced by
Representative Carl Sherman, Sr.
Together We Will Build a Better Future
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Botham "Bo" Jean
Several recent high-profile murder cases involving police officers have revealed multiple problems with the current state of the law related to the use of force and deadly force and police investigations.
Most notably, the Dallas Police Officer shot and killed Botham Jean in his own apartment while eating ice cream. The officer argued that she should be allowed to rely upon the “castle doctrine” and “mistake of fact” because she believed she was in her own apartment. Additionally, after police arrived on the scene, recording devices were deactivated, and the officer was afforded protection, a common Texan would be denied, and valuable information was lost.
"Even a small community
can make a
big difference"
Simone Staley
Bo's Law
In light of the current climate of distrust of law enforcement, Bo's Law seeks to resolve these issues by providing transparency and protections for citizens and law enforcement alike.
Castle Doctrine - Should only protect individuals who are actually in their own “castle” before believing that force or deadly force was immediately necessary can be presumed to be reasonable.
Mistake of fact - Make explicit that “mistake of fact” applies only to the culpable mental state for the offense and not to any other defenses or affirmative defenses.
Body-worn camera policies - Require that the camera remain activated for the entirety of any investigation in which an officer is participating.
Body-worn, vehicle, and security cameras - Any person, not just police officers, who deactivates a recording device used in an investigation and hold individuals seeking to destroy or prevent the collection of evidence accountable to their fellow officers and the community.
Get Involved
Help honor Botham Jean's legacy by contacting your representative and urging them to SUPPORT HB 929 The Botham Jean Act “Bo’s Law” Safe at Home.
4 Steps to Make a CHANGE
Step 1: CALL your Representative.
Step 2: SEND A LETTER or EMAIL your Representative.
Step 3: TESTIFY before committee.
Step 4: FOLLOW @CarlOShermanTX on SOCIAL MEDIA for legislative updates.
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Botham Jean
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Subscribe to the Botham Jean Act page, as we advocate for transformative changes to public policy, both at the local and state level.
Join the movement and help advocate for HB 929 The Botham Jean Act “Bo’s Law” Safe at Home.
