Houston voters pass 15-second rule for police raids in Proposition A

Houston residents approved Proposition A on Tuesday, binding the city to new rules for police raids and marijuana enforcement. The measure, formally known as the Houston Freedom Act, amends the city charter to restrict how the Houston Police Department handles specific offenses.

Under the new charter language, HPD must rank Class A and Class B misdemeanor marijuana possession as its lowest law enforcement priority. Officers retain the authority to enforce state laws, but the amendment mandates specific reporting requirements for these cases. Possession remains illegal under Texas law, so the change alters departmental focus rather than state statutes.

The second part of the proposition prohibits officers from requesting or executing no-knock search warrants. Police must now knock, announce their presence, and wait at least 15 seconds before entering a home. This procedural change removes the option for immediate entry without notice during warrant executions.

The no-knock issue gained local prominence after the 2019 raid on Harding Street. That operation resulted in the deaths of homeowners Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas and left several officers wounded. Supporters argued the new rules reduce risks in such incidents and allow resources to shift toward serious crimes. Opponents raised concerns about potential conflicts with state law and operational impacts.

Voters could not separate the two issues, as both provisions appeared on the ballot as a single item. The amendment is now part of the Houston City Charter. City officials will address implementation details and how the new local rules interact with existing state laws.