SRC-AXB H.B. 1968 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1968
76R6040  MXM-FBy: Van de Putte (Madla)
Criminal Justice
5/12/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, peace officers commissioned by hospital districts have limited
jurisdiction.  H.B. 1968 sets forth expanded jurisdictions for such
officers and authorizes them to assist local law enforcement outside of
their jurisdiction, under certain circumstances. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1968 sets forth expanded jurisdiction for such officers
and authorizes them to assist local law enforcement outside of their
jurisdiction, under certain circumstances. 

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 281.057, Health and Safety Code, to set forth
the primary jurisdiction of a peace officer commissioned under this
section.  Sets forth authorizations of a peace officer within the peace
officer's primary jurisdiction.  Authorizes a peace officer, outside of a
primary jurisdiction, to arrest any person who violates a Texas law, under
certain conditions.  Requires a person commissioned under this section to
be a certified police officer under the requirements of the Commission on
Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.  Deletes text regarding
conditions which allow a district peace officer to make an arrest. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.