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BILL ANALYSIS |
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By: Frost |
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Texas law enforcement agencies are facing manpower shortfalls across the state. These shortfalls are affecting every aspect of law enforcement. One of the reasons for such shortfalls is that the application process is quite localized, as applicants must travel to each individual location to seek out job opportunities and fill out the necessary applications. This situation makes it difficult for candidates to apply for more than one position at a time and does not give the applicant pool much depth.
As proposed, H.B. 2580 authorizes the state to create and maintain a statewide database and website for law enforcement employment positions, in which applicants can apply online, have the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education complete their background checks, and allow both agencies and candidates to contact one another across the state.
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
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 Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (commission) to develop, maintain, and promote a statewide employment website. Sets forth the goals the website is to facilitate.
(b) Sets forth the requirements of the website.
(c) Requires the commission, to the extent practicable, to verify the accuracy of information posted on the website, and to ensure, with the assistance of the Department of Information Resources, that the data exchanged via the website is secure.
(d) Requires the commission to charge a reasonable fee to a state or local law enforcement agency that posts information on the website or uses the website to exchange information with an individual seeking employment as a peace officer.
(e) Authorizes the commission to limit or discontinue operation of the website in the absence of sufficient funding to maintain and operate the website.
SECTION 2. Requires the commission to develop, maintain, and promote the required website under Section 1701.162, Occupations Code, not later than January 1, 2010.
SECTION 3. Effective date.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2009.