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Bland's Death Takes Stage At Texas Capitol

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AUSTIN (AP) - The arrest and death of Sandra Bland is bringing top state officials to the Texas Capitol to testify about jail standards and police officer protocols.

The hearing Thursday is the first time lawmakers are meeting to discuss the circumstances surrounding the death the 28-year-old black woman from suburban Chicago. Authorities say Bland hanged herself in jail, a finding that her family has questioned.

Bland was in custody for allegedly assaulting a state white state trooper who pulled her over in Waller County for an improper lane change.

The Texas House Committee on County Affairs is now taking a new look at jail procedures and interactions with the police and the general public.

The Texas Rangers and FBI are continuing to investigate Bland's death.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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