(Austin, TX) — Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa's tire deflation device bill, Senate Bill 1416, passed the Texas State Senate unanimously on Monday afternoon. This legislation outlaws the creation, manufacture, and possession of homemade tire deflation devices that criminals often use to thwart off law enforcement authorities in South Texas. Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, the only Committee member with a border district in the Transportation and Homeland Security Committee, released the following statement.

"The intent of this legislation is to hand down proper punishment to those who put innocent motorists and law enforcement officers in harm's way. This issue needed a solution, and I am glad to have the unanimous support of my fellow Senators.

"Criminals are endangering the lives of our law enforcement agents and creating a hazardous condition for other motorists with these homemade caltrops. With today's vote, we are one-step closer to outlawing these weapons in Texas.

"This effort has the support of our local law enforcement, and in working together with my colleagues, we are able to address the security issues affecting South Texas by increasing our border security and law enforcement efforts.

"Let's continue our fight to secure our border and give law enforcement the tools they need to protect the public."

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