BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1262
	By: Bowers et al. (Hughes)
	State Affairs
	5/14/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

While peace officers in many cities and counties in Texas frequently interact with individuals experiencing Alzheimer's and other dementias who often have unique needs, there are concerns that the officers are not given proper training on how best to interact with these individuals.

H.B. 1262 seeks to create a bridge of understanding between law enforcement and Texans who are experiencing Alzheimer's and other dementias by requiring this additional training as part of the continuing education for officers.

H.B. 1262 amends current law relating to training for certain peace officers regarding techniques to facilitate interactions with homeless individuals.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 1701.352, Occupations Code, by adding Subsection (j), as follows:

(j) Requires a peace officer who is employed by the law enforcement agency of a political subdivision located wholly or partly in a county with a population of 200,000 or more to complete as part of the course provided for the officer under Subsection (b) (relating to a training program required to be provided at least every 48 months) a one-time training program established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) on techniques to facilitate interactions with homeless youth and adults and on the resources available to those individuals. Requires that the training program be completed not later than the second anniversary of the date the officer was hired.

SECTION 2. Requires TCOLE, not later than January 1, 2022, to establish the training program required by Section 1701.352(j), Occupations Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. Requires a peace officer who on January 1, 2022, is employed by a law enforcement agency to which Section 1701.352(j) applies, notwithstanding Section 1701.352(j), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, to complete the training required by that section not later than January 1, 2024.

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2021.