SRC-JBJ C.S.S.B. 455 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 455 77R14072 GJH-DBy: Armbrister Criminal Justice 4/26/2001 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST AND PURPOSE Current Texas law requires the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (commission) to establish the minimum qualifications for a person to enroll in a training program for basic peace officer and jailer licenses. The commission currently sets these requirements for initial licensure of peace officers at obtaining a high school diploma, a general education development (GED) test indicating high school graduation level, or 12 semester hours' credit from an accredited college or university. C.S.S.B. 455 prohibits the commission from adopting a requirement that an applicant must hold an associate degree or a higher academic degree in order to be eligible for a license under this chapter. 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 Chapter 1701G, Occupation Code, by adding Section 1701.3041, as follows: Sec. 1701.3041. EDUCATION REQUIREMENT. Prohibits the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education from adopting a requirement that an applicant must hold an associate degree conferred by a junior college or a higher academic degree conferred by an institution of higher education in order to be eligible for a license under this chapter. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES Differs from the original by amending the relating clause. SECTION 1. Differs from the original by removing previously proposed amendments to Section 1701.255, Occupation Code, and adding provisions regarding certain educational requirements. SECTION 2. Differs from the original by amending previously proposed provisions regarding the effective date of this Act and removing provisions regarding the prospective application of this Act.