AUSTIN, Texas — Less than one day after new evidence related to her case was released to the public, one Texas lawmaker has announced plans for a new hearing in the Sandra Bland case.
Sanrda Bland was found dead in a Waller County jail cell three days after she was pulled over during a routine traffic stop in July 2015. On Monday, new cell phone footage was released showing her perspective as a Texas state trooper points a Taser at her and yells, "I will light you up."
On Tuesday, Representative Garnet Coleman (D-Houston), released the following statement:
"As Chair of the House Committee on County Affairs, I plan on holding a hearing before the end of the 86th Legislative Session in light of the new evidence in the Sandra Bland case. I will be asking the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Attorney General to testify.
The House Committee on County Affairs that I chair held five hearings during the 84th Interim investigating the death of Ms. Bland. Last session, I passed the Sandra Bland Act which added new de-escalation training for law enforcement, increased jailer training, new traffic stop data, funding for inmate safety and jail diversion, and outside investigation of jail deaths among other important criminal justice and mental health policies.
During the 85th Interim, the Committee continued its work to ensure proper implementation of the Sandra Bland Act. The House Committee on County Affairs intends to continue our work on Ms. Bland's case and the new revelations."
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In May 2017, Texas senators unanimously passed the Sandra Bland Act, which aims to address issues, including mental health, that were addressed by the legislature committees following her death.
After her arrest, Bland was found hanging in her jail cell. Her death was ruled a suicide.
More information on the act can be found below:
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