Relating to law enforcement policies prohibiting a peace officer from using less lethal projectiles for the purpose of controlling the activity or movement of a gathering of people.

HB 2982 prohibits Texas law enforcement agencies from using less lethal projectiles (like rubber bullets, bean bag rounds, or wooden bullets) to control gatherings of people. It requires all state and local police departments to adopt new policies banning this specific use of crowd control by January 1, 2026. The bill defines "less lethal projectiles" as ammunition designed to cause blunt trauma but reduce risk of serious injury compared to standard bullets. This policy change directly affects every peace officer in Texas who might encounter public assemblies. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, with agency policies due by 2026.