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.