BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.H.B. 1262
87R27908 JCG-D	By: Bowers et al. (Hughes)
	State Affairs
	5/21/2021
	Committee Report (Substituted)

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.

(Original Author's / Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

C.S.H.B. 1262 amends current law relating to education and training for peace officers on interacting with certain persons.

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 1701.253(j), Occupations Code, to require the statewide education and training program on de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques an officer is required to complete as part of the minimum curriculum to include instruction on interacting with persons with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, including instruction on techniques for recognizing symptoms, communicating effectively, employing alternatives to physical restraints, and identifying signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

SECTION 2. Requires the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), not later than April 1, 2022, to revise TCOLE's education and training programs as necessary to implement the changes in law made by this Act.

SECTION 3. Provides that Section 1701.253(j), Occupations Code, as amended by this Act, applies only to a person who submits an application for a peace officer license under Chapter 1701 (Law Enforcement Officers), Occupations Code, on or after April 1, 2022. Provides that a person who submits an application for a peace officer license under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, before April 1, 2022, is governed by the law in effect immediately before the effective date of this Act, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2021.