BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2093

By: Driver

Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A county jailer is unable receive certification from the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education from the training opportunities for mental health certification that are presently available to a peace officer, deputy, constable, and justice of the peace.  It is believed that county jailers were inadvertently left out of provisions offering this certification.    Many sheriffs and county jail personnel have asked to earn this certification. 

H.B. 2093 adds a county jailer to the persons the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education is authorized to certify and adds a county jailer or a justice of the peace to the persons to which the commission is authorized to issue a professional achievement or proficiency certificate. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2093 amends the Occupations Code to include a county jailer among the persons who, on meeting certain requirements, the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education is authorized to certify as a special officer for offenders with mental impairments.  The bill adds a county jailer or a justice of the peace to the persons to whom the commission is authorized to issue a professional achievement or proficiency certificate. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.