78S10237 KCR-D

By:  Alonzo                                                       H.B. No. 81 



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to peace officer education and training regarding contacts 
between a foreign national arrested for a criminal offense and 
foreign consular officials.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 1701.253, Occupations Code, is amended 
by adding Subsection (j) to read as follows:
	(j)  As part of the minimum curriculum requirements, the 
commission shall establish a statewide comprehensive education and 
training program on the proper methods and procedures necessary to 
ensure that a foreign national arrested in this state is given the 
opportunity to communicate with an official from the consulate of 
the foreign national's country as soon as is practicable after the 
foreign national's arrest.
	SECTION 2.  (a)  The Commission on Law Enforcement Officer 
Standards and Education shall establish the curriculum for a 
comprehensive education and training program for peace officers as 
required by Section 1701.253(j), Occupations Code, as added by this 
Act, on or before March 1, 2004.
	(b)  For persons who are licensed peace officers on November 
1, 2003, the first course required under Section 1701.253(j), 
Occupations Code, as added by this Act, must be completed before 
November 1, 2005.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect November 1, 2003.