SRC-CDH S.B. 12 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 12
By: Luna
Criminal Justice
4-25-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

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
police officers commissioned by school districts and those commissioned by
institutions of higher education to the list of eligible officers.  All
officers must meet the same criteria and training to be certified for
mental health assignment.     

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 12 provides for the certification of certain police
officers as special officers for mental health assignment. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

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, municipal
police officer, or police officer commissioned by a school district or
institution of higher education 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.