Texas is cracking down on rioters who are blocking roads and attacking police with fireworks and lasers. Texas lawmakers have sent House Bill 9 and House Bill 2366 to Gov. Greg Abbott on May 23 and May 24. Rioters could face increased criminal charges under the two bills, the Western Journal reported.

House Bill 9 was said to increase the criminal penalty for individuals who obstruct roadways. On the other hand, House Bill 2366 will increase criminal penalties for individuals who interfere with law enforcement or endanger officials.

Greg Abbott said that law enforcement officials face dangerous situations daily for public safety. He also cited the use of lasers and fireworks against police during the protest actions last summer, which led to injuries of both officers and some peaceful protestors.

The Texas governor added that rioters across the country are also impeding emergency vehicles from going to hospitals by blocking roadways. Abbott noted that this kind of chaos would not be tolerated in Texas.

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Texas House Bill 9 and House Bill 2366

House Bill 2366 stated that it would be a third-degree felony to use a laser pointer against an officer and raising it to a first-degree felony if the result is "serious bodily injury," according to an Austin American-Statesman report.

First-degree felonies carry a life in prison sentence or a five to 99-year sentence. A third-degree felony can be punished by two to 10 years in prison.

Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, the Senate sponsor of HB 2366, said that the illegal use of laser pointer carries a fine of up to $500, with no prison sentence under the current law.

Hughes said they want to protect law enforcement as much as they can, adding that the said devices can damage eyes and cause burns.

The bill also prohibits the use of fireworks that interfere with police officers or help somebody flee arrest. It would also mean a state jail felony of 180 days to two years to use commercially sold fireworks. 

A second-degree felony with two to 20 years in prison will be the punishment if explosive fireworks are fired at officers. Meanwhile, House Bill 9 mandates a minimum sentence of 10 days in jail, even if a defendant is sentenced to community supervision. 

The Texas governor said he looks forward to signing both bills into law. Greg Abbott noted that peaceful protests do not mean blocking roadways and emergency vehicles.

Democratic Texas state Sen. Borris Miles disapproved of the measure until he discovered the use of laser pointers. Miles found that some stronger lasers can cause injury from a distance, adding that they would continue protecting law enforcement, according to a Daily Caller report.

Texas Riot

A recent demonstration was reported in the Texas State Capitol on Sunday in connection to the bills filed in the Texas Legislature aimed at transgender youth.

Senate Bill 29 would require children to participate in sports according to the sex listed on their birth certificates, scrapping their gender identity, KVUE reported.

Senate Bill 1646 was also a highlight of the protests as the measure would ban transition-related medical care for children and deem the treatments as child abuse.

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