The Austin Public Safety Commission convened on August 4, 2025, to discuss various legislative updates and their implications for the city. A significant focus of the meeting was on recent changes to laws regarding less lethal weapons, particularly how these changes may affect police operations and training.

The discussion began with a question regarding the new less lethal weapons bills. A representative explained that the legislation introduces a justification defense for officers using less lethal weapons in the line of duty. This means that if an officer faces criminal charges for their use of such weapons, they can assert that their actions were justified based on their training. However, it was noted that this change primarily impacts the criminal law and may not significantly alter the city’s operational procedures.

Chief Henderson of the Austin Police Department (APD) addressed whether the department would modify its training processes in light of the new legislation. He confirmed that while the department's training related to less lethal weapons is already robust, there are no planned changes to the training protocols as a result of the new law. The training for officers includes evaluations and certifications for new weapons platforms, ensuring that all personnel are adequately prepared before using any new equipment in the field.

The commission also discussed the importance of maintaining documented training records for the use of non-lethal weapons. Chief Henderson assured the commission that APD has established processes for training and recertification, which are conducted annually. This includes updates and training on any new weapons or changes to existing platforms, ensuring that officers are well-prepared and compliant with the latest standards.

The meeting concluded with a prompt for any further questions regarding other legislative matters, indicating a continued commitment to transparency and community engagement in public safety discussions. Overall, the commission's discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to adapt to new laws while maintaining high training standards for law enforcement in Austin.