BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                               C.S.S.B. 1285

80R15400 KSD-D                                                                                                  By: Van de Putte

                                                                                                                                   Criminal Justice

                                                                                                                                              5/3/2007

                                                                                                        Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Human trafficking is a problem all across the State of Texas.  There is no mandatory standard which requires a peace officer to have attend a basic training or education program relating to the offense of human trafficking or how to collect and document evidence properly.

 

C.S.S.B. 1285 establishes a required basic education and training program (basic program) and a voluntary advanced education and training program relating to human trafficking for peace officers.  This bill requires all currently licensed peace officers to complete the basic program within five years from the effective date of this bill.

 

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 Subchapter F, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, by adding Section 1701.2535, as follows:

 

Sec. 1701.2535.  TRAINING PROGRAMS: TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS.  (a) Requires the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (commission) to design and establish a one-time basic education and training program (basic program) and an advanced education and training program (advanced program) relating to the trafficking of persons.  Requires each program to include a review of the substance of Sections 20A.02 (Trafficking of Persons) and 43.05 (Compelling Prostitution), Penal Code.

 

(b) Requires the basic program to consist of at least four hours of training and requires the basic program to be made available through at least two of the presentation methods provided, including live presentation, online presentation, video presentation, and regional distance learning presentation.

 

(c) Requires the commission to require each peace officer to complete the basic program and make available to each peace officer on a voluntary basis the advanced program.

 

(d) Requires a peace officer who holds a license issued by the commission before September 1, 2007, to complete the basic program required by this section not later than September 1, 2012.  Provides that this subsection expires September 1, 2013.

 

(e) Requires the commission to begin offering the basic and advanced programs established under this section not later than January 1, 2008.  Provides that this subsection expires September 1, 2008.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2007.