AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday outlined four criminal justice proposals for the upcoming legislative session, including measures to make county district attorneys eligible for impeachment and to create a new statewide prosecutor position.
Abbott presented the proposals during a press conference alongside incoming state Sen. Brett Ligon and Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock. They said the measures aim to strengthen prosecution of criminal cases and improve public safety.
Abbott criticized Travis County District Attorney José Garza, saying his office failed to secure indictments within a 90-day deadline in more than 200 cases in 2024, which he said resulted in defendants being released. Abbott also said some felony cases were not pursued.
Abbott proposed creating a statewide prosecutor appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. He said the position would operate independently from the governor’s office and would step in when local district attorneys do not bring indictments within required timelines.
Abbott said the statewide prosecutor would monitor cases and could file charges starting on the 90th day if local prosecutors do not act.
The proposal would establish a non-elected “professional prosecutor” role with statewide jurisdiction over cases not pursued at the local level.
Abbott also renewed his push to make district attorneys subject to impeachment, a change he said would hold prosecutors accountable for misconduct or failure to prosecute cases. Currently, district attorneys in Texas are not subject to impeachment.
Abbott rejected concerns that impeachment could be used for political purposes. He said impeachment of state officials has occurred only three times in Texas history.
Garza responded that crime rates in Travis County have declined under his administration and said his office has focused on accountability and victim protection. He said Abbott’s proposals were a political distraction.
Garza also said Texans face rising costs and reduced access to public services, and he accused the governor of prioritizing politics over public safety solutions.
Abbott also announced an expansion of the Texas Department of Public Safety repeat offender task force to Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. He said the program has resulted in more than 700 arrests and the seizure of fentanyl.
Abbott separately renewed support for legislation denying bail to undocumented immigrants charged with felonies. The proposal previously passed the state Senate and a House committee but did not reach final passage.
Ligon said victims and law enforcement officers have expressed concern about prosecutors declining to file charges, arguing that criminal cases fail when indictments are not pursued.