What we've learned from Sandra Bland's death, two years later Arrested in Waller County in a controversial case, Bland was found dead days later in her jail cell

In this undated photo provided by the Bland family, Sandra Bland poses for a photo. The family of Bland, who was found dead in her Texas jail cell, assert that she would not have taken her own life, but authorities are pointing to mounting evidence that they say shows she hanged herself. (Courtesy of Bland family) less In this undated photo provided by the Bland family, Sandra Bland poses for a photo. The family of Bland, who was found dead in her Texas jail cell, assert that she would not have taken her own life, but ... more Photo: HONS Photo: HONS Image 1 of / 164 Caption Close What we've learned from Sandra Bland's death, two years later 1 / 164 Back to Gallery

It's been two years since Sandra Bland died in Waller County jail after a controversial traffic stop near Prairie View A&M University.

Her death — which came three days after the controversial arrest — became a flashpoint in a nationwide debate over law enforcement's use of force and sent shockwaves through Waller County and across the Lone Star State.

In the weeks that followed, Waller County came under incredible scrutiny. Her death sparked protests in and around Houston, and Bland became an icon of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The Texas Department of Public Safety sidelined and ultimately fired Trooper Brian Encinia, who initiated the stop and arrested Bland after the two got into a heated argument over whether or not she should put out a cigarette. The interaction between the two — caught on Encinia's dashcam - unleashed a torrent of criticism of DPS.

Encinia was later charged with perjury. The charge was dismissed in June.

State jail regulators said Waller County jailers had missed obvious warning signs that Bland was a danger to herself — particularly after she had disclosed a prior suicide attempt — and failed to properly observe Bland, who hanged herself with a ligature made from a plastic trashbag. Bland's death also led to more scrutiny of how the state cares for its inmates and deaths in Texas jails.

The state launched a probe into the death and into Waller County jail. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards changed screening practices in jails across the state to try to prevent similar deaths in the future.

Bland's family sued Waller County, eventually settling for $1.9 million.

State legislators filed bills this past legislative session, seeking to strengthen protections for mentally ill inmates. An early version of the bill also tried to reduce racial profiling during traffic stops, but provisions aimed at law enforcement reforms were watered down and the bill lawmakers ultimately signed focused on diverting people with mental health and substance abuse issues from jail to treatment and requires outside police agencies to investigate jail deaths.

Bland's family criticized lawmakers decision not to pursue reforms aimed at reducing racial profiling during traffic stops.

Her mother, Geneva Reed-Veal, recently moved to Waller County and said she wants to build affordable student housing for students at Prairie View A&M University.

The Chronicle was the first outlet to report on the story, starting with Waller County's announcement of her death. Read the Chronicle's coverage of Bland's death in the two years since she was found in her jail cell:

Authorities investigate apparent suicide at Waller County Jail: http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Authorities-investigate-apparent-suicide-at-6385033.php

Trooper who pulled over Bland placed on administrative duty: http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Waller-County-law-enforcement-under-scrutiny-as-6390814.php

Bland told jailers of previous suicide attempt: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Bland-told-jailers-of-previous-suicide-attempt-6400692.php

Dash cam in Bland case shows escalating confrontation: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Dash-cam-in-Bland-case-shows-escalating-6398428.php

After Bland's death, lawmakers to address jail standards, police interactions: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/After-Bland-s-death-lawmakers-to-address-jail-6404710.php

Bland's image goes far beyond dash-cam video: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Bland-s-image-goes-far-beyond-dash-cam-video-6405874.php

Inmates find variety of methods, tools to end their lives: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Inmates-find-variety-of-methods-tools-to-end-6413669.php

Jailer testifies he falsified jail log in Sandra Bland case, lawyer says: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/article/Jailer-testifies-he-falsified-jail-log-in-Sandra-8402120.php

Sandra Bland's mother says lawsuit settlement is 'victory for moms': http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Sandra-Bland-s-mother-says-lawsuit-settlement-is-9226234.php

Sandra Bland wrongful death case resolved: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/article/Sandra-Bland-wrongful-death-case-resolved-10482435.php

Nearly 7,000 died in Texas police custody in the last decade: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/article/More-than-1-900-died-in-Texas-custody-before-8467323.php

Sandra Bland Act clears Texas Senate on unanimous vote: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/politics/texas/article/Sandra-Bland-Act-clears-Texas-Senate-on-unanimous-11140553.php

............

St. John Barned-Smith covers public safety and major breaking news for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Send tips to st.john.smith@chron.com.