Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken a firm stance against district attorneys who neglect their duty to enforce the law, promising to hold them accountable. He recently highlighted House Bill 17, new legislation designed to address this issue, emphasizing its role in reining in what he terms "rogue district attorneys."

The Governor stressed the importance of law enforcement upholding the law and safeguarding Texans. HB 17, signed into law in early June, broadens the definition of "official misconduct" for prosecutors. This change allows Texans to petition for the removal of district attorneys who systematically refuse to prosecute specific categories of criminal offenses.

The impetus for HB 17 arose from concerns about some district attorneys and attorneys general who declared their unwillingness to enforce abortion bans following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. The law is seen as a response to this trend and aims to ensure consistent application of the law across the state.

Several district attorneys, including those in New York and Los Angeles, have faced criticism for declining to prosecute certain low-level or misdemeanor offenses. In Texas, Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza has been under scrutiny for similar practices, as well as for his handling of cases related to the 2020 protests in Austin. These policies, coupled with Garza's acceptance of campaign contributions from Soros-linked groups, have fueled debate and criticism.