SRC-JBJ H.B. 2881 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2881 By: Keel (Armbrister) Criminal Justice 5/2/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (commission) currently requires state and local agencies that appoint or employ peace officers to provide each peace officer with a continuing education program at least once every 24 months. Currently, the course must contain at least 20 hours of instruction on topics selected by the agency and must cover certain topics such as civil rights, racial sensitivity, child abuse, family violence, and sexual assault. H.B. 2881 requires the commission to require an agency to provide such a course at least every 48, rather than 24 months; limits instruction on those specific topics to not more than 20 hours; and amends related provisions. 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 1701.351, Occupations Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c), to require each peace officer to complete at least 40 hours of continuing education programs once every 24 months. Requires the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (commission) to credit a peace officer with meeting the continuing education requirements of this section if during the relevant 24-month period the peace officer serves as an elected member of the legislature. Provides that credit for continuing education under this subsection does not affect any requirement to demonstrate continuing weapons proficiency under Section 1701.355. SECTION 2. Amends Sections 1701.352(b), (c), and (e), Occupations Code, to require the commission to require a state, county, special district, or municipal agency that appoints or employs peace officers to provide each peace officer with a training program at least once every 48, rather than 24, months that is approved by the commission and consists of certain material to be covered. Deletes existing text regarding a minimum number of hours of training on topics selected by the agency. Deletes existing text regarding the maximum length of a course. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 3. Provides that the changes in law made by Section 1701.351(c), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, applies to any 24-month period under Section 1701.351, Occupations Code, that ends after the effective date of this Act. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2001.