BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 2580
81R4224 KSD-D By: Frost (Deuell)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Across Texas, law enforcement agencies face manpower shortfalls that affect every aspect of law enforcement. One reason for such shortfalls is that the application process is quite localized as applicants must travel to each location to seek job opportunities and fill out the necessary applications. This situation makes it difficult for candidates to apply for multiple positions at one time and gives the applicant pool little depth.
The bill authorizes the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) to create and maintain a website for law enforcement employment positions. Through the website, applicants will be able to apply online and have TCLEOSE verify basic application information, and agencies will be able to recruit candidates from across the state.
H.B. 2580 relates to the establishment of a peace officer employment opportunity Internet website by TCLEOSE.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, by adding Section 1701.162, as follows:
Sec. 1701.162. PEACE OFFICER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INTERNET WEBSITE. (a) Requires the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE), from money appropriated to TCLEOSE for any purpose, to develop, maintain, and promote a statewide employment Internet website to facilitate the public awareness of peace officer employment opportunities with state and local enforcement agencies and an exchange of information between individuals seeking employment as peace officers in this state and state and local law enforcement agencies seeking applications for employment as peace officers.
(b) Requires that the Internet website be accessible to members of the public and provide to individuals seeking employment as peace officers and state and local law enforcement agencies who have posted employment opportunities on the website an organized means of exchanging information.
(c) Requires TCLEOSE, to the extent practicable, to verify the accuracy of information posted on the Internet website and, with the assistance of the Department of Information Resources, ensure that data exchanged via the website is secure.
(d) Requires TCLEOSE to charge a reasonable fee to a state or local law enforcement agency that posts information on the Internet website or uses the website in any other manner to exchange information with an individual seeking employment as a peace officer.
(e) Authorizes TCLEOSE, in the absence of sufficient funding to maintain and operate the Internet website, to limit or discontinue TCLEOSE's operation of the Internet website under this section.
SECTION 2. Requires TCLEOSE to develop, maintain, and promote the peace officer employment opportunity Internet website as required by Section 1701.162, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, not later January 1, 2010.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.