HB 3577 and SB 2177: Strengthening Texas Law Enforcement to Solve Violent and Sexual Crimes

Texas is facing a serious public safety challenge. Law enforcement agencies across the state are struggling to solve violent and sexual crimes, with clearance rates well below the national average. These aren’t just numbers in a spreadsheet—they represent real people, real trauma, and real communities left without justice or closure.

Despite the hard work of officers and investigators, many local departments are under-resourced and overwhelmed. They simply don’t have the staff, tools, or time they need to investigate these complex, high-stakes cases. And when violent criminals aren’t held accountable, the cycle continues—more harm, more fear, and less trust in the system meant to protect us.

This is exactly what Texas HB 3577 and SB 2177 propose to address. These bills would create a grant program to support local law enforcement agencies in improving their capacity to investigate and solve violent and sexual crimes. The funding could be used to hire more investigators, provide specialized training, invest in forensic technology, and upgrade outdated data systems. It’s a smart, targeted approach toward improving public safety and restoring community confidence.

Even cities that have made notable gains—like Houston, where the homicide clearance rate improved in 2024, and El Paso, which continues to rank among the safest large U.S. cities—can’t offset the overall trend: Too many violent crimes in Texas go unsolved.

Clearance rates measure how many reported crimes are “cleared” by arrest or by exceptional means (e.g., suspect passes away or is prosecuted somewhere else). But not all cleared cases are truly “solved.” A case might be labeled “closed” in agency records even when no suspect is identified, simply because leads dried up or it was marked for administrative purposes. In a truly solved case, the right person was identified, the investigation was thorough, and there’s enough evidence to prosecute. That’s what the public expects, and it’s what victims deserve.

Consider this: In 2023, 15,057 rapes were reported in Texas. Of these cases, which include reports of sodomy and sexual assault with an object, only 14.7 percent were cleared. This means almost 13,000 survivors (roughly 85 percent of victims) saw no accountability for their attackers. Not only is that a failure of public safety, it’s also a failure of justice. And it doesn’t stop there. When violent offenders aren’t caught, they’re likely to reoffend. Communities live in fear. Trust in police erodes. The cycle of violence continues.

Violent and sexual crimes are some of the most complex cases law enforcement handles. They often require long hours, specialized knowledge, and access to forensic labs and technology. Departments need trained staff who can follow leads, conduct interviews, coordinate across jurisdictions, and process evidence—none of which is quick or cheap.

Agencies with the right resources, enough investigators, access to DNA testing, and updated technology and training are much more successful in solving cases. Studies show that strong investigative capacity directly improves clearance rates and community notification; however, too many agencies in Texas—especially in underfunded areas—don’t have what they need. Cases slip through the cracks due to a lack of support, not a lack of effort.

When crimes go unsolved, communities lose faith. Victims feel abandoned. And the public begins to question whether law enforcement can deliver on its most basic promise to protect and serve. On the flip side, solving serious crimes builds credibility. It shows that the system works and that no victim is forgotten.

That’s why HB 3577 and SB 2177 go beyond just funding. They also require grant recipients to track and report key data including clearance rates, time between the offense and arrest, and how funds are allocated. This transparency helps measure progress and ensures the funding delivers real results.

These bills offer a data-informed approach to a growing public safety dilemma. By investing in the core elements of investigation—people, training, tools, and data—they help close the gap between reported crime and delivered justice.

This isn’t just about catching criminals. It’s about delivering answers to victims, breaking cycles of violence, and restoring public faith in law enforcement. It’s about saying loud and clear that in Texas, we don’t just take crime seriously—we take solving it seriously.

The path forward is clear: Fund what works, support those doing the work, and hold the system accountable. With HB 3577 and SB 2177, Texas has a chance to lead rather than lag when it comes to protecting communities and upholding justice, and policymakers have the power to make it happen. We have the data. We have the need. Now we just need the will.