JWW S.B. 12 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS PUBLIC SAFETY S.B. 12 By Luna (Reyna, A.) 5-15-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Currently, only a sheriff, sheriff's deputy, justice of the peace, constable, or a municipal police officer can obtain certification as a special officer for mental health assignment. This legislation adds peace officers to the list of eligible officers, and removes municipal police officers. All officers must meet the same criteria and training to be certified for mental health assignment. PURPOSE This bill will provide for the certification of peace officers as special officers for mental health assignment. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 415.037(a), Government Code, to authorize the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education to certify a sheriff, sheriff's deputy, justice of the peace, constable, or other peace officer as a special officer for mental health assignment if the peace officer has completed certain requirements. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.