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.