Austin opened up police misconduct files. Now, state lawmakers want to lock them back up. - Austin Monitor

The article discusses the potential impact of Texas Senate Bill 781 on the Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA), which mandates the disclosure of confidential police misconduct files. As state lawmakers seek to enact legislation that could negate local police oversight efforts, supporters of the APOA express concerns about losing transparency and accountability within the Austin Police Department. Advocates believe that the APOA, which allows public access to disciplinary records, is crucial for informed oversight and debate regarding police practices in the city.

"The Austin Police Oversight Act aims to provide transparency into police disciplinary actions, making previously confidential complaint records public and improving accountability."

"State Sen. Phil King's Senate Bill 781 threatens to invalidate the progress made by the APOA, which passed with significant public support in 2023."

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