79R7589 KSD-F

By:  Callegari                                                    H.B. No. 2163



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the use by a peace officer of the officer's rank or 
status to advertise or promote a private business.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Chapter 614, Government Code, is amended by 
adding Subchapter H to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER H.  PRIVATE COMMERCIAL USE OF RANK OR STATUS AS PEACE 
OFFICER
	Sec. 614.151.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "peace 
officer" means an individual elected, appointed, or employed to 
serve as a peace officer for a governmental entity under Article 
2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure.
	Sec. 614.152.  USE OF RANK OR STATUS AS PEACE OFFICER TO 
ADVERTISE OR PROMOTE PRIVATE BUSINESS PROHIBITED.  (a)  A peace 
officer may not use the peace officer's status or rank as a peace 
officer to advertise or otherwise promote a private business.
	(b)  A peace officer who violates this section is subject to 
disciplinary action by the peace officer's employing governmental 
entity.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.