|
|
|
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
|
|
AN ACT
|
|
relating to the continuation and functions of the Department of |
|
Public Safety of the State of Texas and the Texas Private Security |
|
Board; providing a penalty. |
|
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
|
ARTICLE 1. CHANGES TO VEHICLE INSPECTION PROGRAM |
|
SECTION 1.01. Section 548.006(i), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(i) The committee shall hold a meeting at least once [at
|
|
least two meetings] each quarter [year]. |
|
SECTION 1.02. Subchapter A, Chapter 548, Transportation |
|
Code, is amended by adding Section 548.008 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 548.008. VEHICLE INSPECTION PROGRAM DIRECTOR. (a) |
|
The vehicle inspection program is managed by a program director. |
|
The program director may not be a commissioned officer. |
|
(b) The office of the vehicle inspection program director |
|
must be located in Austin, Texas. |
|
(c) The duties of the program director include: |
|
(1) responsibility for the quality of the vehicle |
|
inspection program; |
|
(2) coordination of the regional offices; |
|
(3) compilation of regional and statewide performance |
|
data; |
|
(4) the establishment of best practices and |
|
distribution of those practices to the regional offices; |
|
(5) setting goals for the entire program, in |
|
consultation with the public safety director or the public safety |
|
director's designee, and setting goals for each regional office in |
|
consultation with the regional managers; |
|
(6) monitoring the progress toward the goals set in |
|
Subdivision (5) and evaluating the program based on that progress; |
|
and |
|
(7) coordination with the Texas Highway Patrol to |
|
enforce provisions related to vehicle inspection. |
|
(d) The regional offices shall make reports as requested by |
|
the program director. |
|
SECTION 1.03. Section 548.501, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) Except as provided by Sections 548.503 and 548.504, the |
|
fee for inspection of a motor vehicle other than a moped is $14 |
|
[$12.50]. The fee for inspection of a moped is $6.75 [$5.75]. The |
|
fee for a verification form issued as required by Section 548.256 is |
|
$2 [$1]. |
|
(c) An inspection station may collect the applicable |
|
inspection fee at the time of the original inspection of a vehicle, |
|
regardless of whether an inspection certificate is issued at that |
|
time. An inspection fee may be included with charges for other |
|
products or services but must be shown on a work order for the |
|
products or services as a separate item. An inspection fee may be |
|
advertised in conjunction with other products or services. |
|
ARTICLE 2. DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT |
|
PART A. ORGANIZATION OF DIVISION |
|
SECTION 2A.01. Section 418.004, Government Code, is amended |
|
by amending Subdivision (2) and adding Subdivision (9) to read as |
|
follows: |
|
(2) "Division" means the Texas Division of Emergency |
|
Management [division of emergency management in the office of the
|
|
governor]. |
|
(9) "Department" means the Department of Public Safety |
|
of the State of Texas. |
|
SECTION 2A.02. Sections 418.041(a), (b), and (c), |
|
Government Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The Texas Division of Emergency Management [division of
|
|
emergency management] is a division of the department [office of
|
|
the governor]. |
|
(b) The division is managed by a chief [director] appointed |
|
by the public safety director of the department, with the approval |
|
of the governor. The chief [director] serves at the pleasure of the |
|
public safety director [governor]. The chief must possess |
|
professional training and knowledge consisting of not less than |
|
five years of managerial or strategic planning experience in |
|
matters relating to public safety, security, emergency services, |
|
and emergency response. |
|
(c) At least once every two months, the following shall meet |
|
to coordinate efforts, prevent overlap of activities, and ensure |
|
that the state's approach to emergency management and homeland |
|
security is unified: |
|
(1) a representative of the department; |
|
(2) a representative of the division; |
|
(3) a representative of the governor's office of |
|
homeland security; |
|
(4) the presiding officer of the Homeland Security |
|
Council; and |
|
(5) a state agency representative from the emergency |
|
management council, selected by the chair of the emergency |
|
management council. [The director shall appoint a state
|
|
coordinator.] |
|
SECTION 2A.03. Section 418.072, Government Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 418.072. DISASTER EMERGENCY FUNDING BOARD. The |
|
disaster emergency funding board is composed of: |
|
(1) the governor; |
|
(2) the lieutenant governor; |
|
(3) the commissioner of insurance; |
|
(4) the executive commissioner of the Health and |
|
[Department of] Human Services Commission; and |
|
(5) the chief [director] of the division. |
|
SECTION 2A.04. Section 418.074(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) If a gift, grant, or loan is accepted by the state, the |
|
governor, or the emergency management council or chief of the |
|
division [state coordinator] if designated by the governor, may |
|
dispense the gift, grant, or loan directly to accomplish the |
|
purpose for which it was made or may allocate and transfer to a |
|
political subdivision services, equipment, supplies, materials, or |
|
funds in the amount the governor or the governor's designee may |
|
determine. |
|
SECTION 2A.05. Section 431.082, Government Code, is amended |
|
by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows: |
|
(d) A member of the Texas State Guard called to state active |
|
duty in response to a state emergency is a temporary employee of the |
|
state while on state active duty. |
|
PART B. OTHER AMENDMENTS, INCLUDING CONFORMING AMENDMENTS |
|
REFLECTING DIVISION'S NAME CHANGE |
|
SECTION 2B.01. Section 12.0012, Agriculture Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 12.0012. NOTIFICATION. The department shall, upon |
|
submission for publication, notify the Texas Division of Emergency |
|
Management [division of emergency management in the office of the
|
|
governor] of each quarantine it adopts. The department shall |
|
thereafter cooperate with the Texas Division of Emergency |
|
Management [division of emergency management] in implementing any |
|
necessary safeguards to protect the state's agricultural resources |
|
from potential economic, health, or ecological disaster that may |
|
result from the quarantined pest or disease. |
|
SECTION 2B.02. Sections 88.303(a) and (d), Education Code, |
|
are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, during any period in |
|
which Texas Task Force 1 is activated by the Texas Division of |
|
Emergency Management [governor's division of emergency
|
|
management], or during any training session sponsored or sanctioned |
|
by Texas Task Force 1, a participating nongovernment member or |
|
local government employee member is included in the coverage |
|
provided under Chapter 501, Labor Code, in the same manner as an |
|
employee, as defined by Section 501.001, Labor Code. |
|
(d) Notwithstanding Section 412.0123, Labor Code, as added |
|
by Chapter 1098, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, |
|
1997, the Texas Division of Emergency Management [governor's
|
|
division of emergency management] shall reimburse the State Office |
|
of Risk Management for the actual medical and indemnity benefits |
|
paid on behalf of a covered member of Texas Task Force 1 at the |
|
beginning of the next state fiscal year occurring after the date the |
|
benefits are paid. |
|
SECTION 2B.03. Section 418.014(e), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(e) An executive order or proclamation shall be |
|
disseminated promptly by means intended to bring its contents to |
|
the attention of the general public. An order or proclamation shall |
|
be filed promptly with the division [of emergency management], the |
|
secretary of state, and the county clerk or city secretary in each |
|
area to which it applies unless the circumstances attendant on the |
|
disaster prevent or impede the filing. |
|
SECTION 2B.04. The heading to Subchapter C, Chapter 418, |
|
Government Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. TEXAS DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT |
|
SECTION 2B.05. Subchapter C, Chapter 418, Government Code, |
|
is amended by adding Section 418.050 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 418.050. REENTRY CREDENTIALING PILOT PROGRAM. (a) The |
|
division shall consider implementing a pilot program for a reentry |
|
credentialing process for reentry into areas previously evacuated |
|
because of a disaster or threat of disaster. |
|
(b) If the division implements a pilot project under this |
|
section, the reentry credentials issued under the project must: |
|
(1) be uniform and commonly constructed; |
|
(2) have common card holder information; and |
|
(3) have security features equivalent to the security |
|
features of a Texas driver's license. |
|
(c) The division may not require residents of an evacuated |
|
area to participate in or comply with a reentry credentialing |
|
process under this section. |
|
SECTION 2B.06. Section 418.073(d), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(d) The [governor's] division [of emergency management] |
|
shall administer the disaster contingency fund and shall develop |
|
and implement rules and procedures for providing emergency |
|
assistance from the fund. The division shall annually report to the |
|
speaker of the house of representatives and the lieutenant governor |
|
expenditures from the fund, the overall status of the fund, and any |
|
changes to rules and procedures regarding the fund. |
|
SECTION 2B.07. Section 421.021(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The Homeland Security Council is composed of the |
|
governor or the governor's designee, the speaker of the house of |
|
representatives or the speaker's designee, the lieutenant governor |
|
or the lieutenant governor's designee, and one representative of |
|
each of the following entities, appointed by the single statewide |
|
elected or appointed governing officer, administrative head, or |
|
chair, as appropriate, of the entity: |
|
(1) Department of Agriculture; |
|
(2) office of the attorney general; |
|
(3) General Land Office; |
|
(4) Public Utility Commission of Texas; |
|
(5) Department of State Health Services; |
|
(6) Department of Information Resources; |
|
(7) Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas; |
|
(8) Texas Division of Emergency Management [division
|
|
of emergency management of the office of the governor]; |
|
(9) adjutant general's department; |
|
(10) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; |
|
(11) Railroad Commission of Texas; |
|
(12) Texas Strategic Military Planning Commission; |
|
(13) Texas Department of Transportation; |
|
(14) Commission on State Emergency Communications; |
|
(15) Office of State-Federal Relations; |
|
(16) secretary of state; |
|
(17) Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland |
|
Security; |
|
(18) House Committee on Defense and Veterans' Affairs |
|
[and State-Federal Relations]; |
|
(19) Texas Animal Health Commission; |
|
(20) Texas Association of Regional Councils; |
|
(21) Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer |
|
Standards and Education; |
|
(22) state fire marshal's office; |
|
(23) Texas Education Agency; |
|
(24) Texas Commission on Fire Protection; |
|
(25) Parks and Wildlife Department; |
|
(26) Texas Forest Service; and |
|
(27) Texas Water Development Board. |
|
SECTION 2B.08. Section 661.907(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The number of certified disaster service volunteers who |
|
are eligible for leave under this section may not exceed 350 state |
|
employees at any one time during a fiscal year. The Texas Division |
|
of Emergency Management [division of emergency management in the
|
|
governor's office] shall coordinate the establishment and |
|
maintenance of the list of eligible employees. |
|
SECTION 2B.09. Section 661.919(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The number of amateur radio operators who are eligible |
|
for leave under this section may not exceed 350 state employees at |
|
any one time during a state fiscal year. The Texas Division of |
|
Emergency Management [division of emergency management in the
|
|
governor's office] shall coordinate the establishment and |
|
maintenance of the list of eligible employees. |
|
SECTION 2B.10. Section 501.001(5), Labor Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
(5) "Employee" means a person who is: |
|
(A) in the service of the state pursuant to an |
|
election, appointment, or express oral or written contract of hire; |
|
(B) paid from state funds but whose duties |
|
require that the person work and frequently receive supervision in |
|
a political subdivision of the state; |
|
(C) a peace officer employed by a political |
|
subdivision, while the peace officer is exercising authority |
|
granted under: |
|
(i) Article 2.12, Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure; or |
|
(ii) Articles 14.03(d) and (g), Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure; |
|
(D) a member of the state military forces, as |
|
defined by Section 431.001, Government Code, who is engaged in |
|
authorized training or duty; or |
|
(E) a Texas Task Force 1 member, as defined by |
|
Section 88.301, Education Code, who is activated by the Texas |
|
Division of Emergency Management [governor's division of emergency
|
|
management] or is injured during [any] training [session] sponsored |
|
or sanctioned by Texas Task Force 1. |
|
SECTION 2B.11. Sections 16.055(a) and (b), Water Code, are |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The chief [coordinator] of the Texas Division of |
|
Emergency Management [division of emergency management of the
|
|
office of the governor] is the state drought manager. The state |
|
drought manager is responsible for managing and coordinating the |
|
drought response component of the state water plan. |
|
(b) The drought preparedness council is created and shall |
|
meet as necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. The |
|
council is composed of one representative from each of the |
|
following entities, appointed by the administrative head of that |
|
entity: |
|
(1) the Texas Division of Emergency Management |
|
[division of emergency management of the office of the governor]; |
|
(2) the board; |
|
(3) the commission; |
|
(4) the Parks and Wildlife Department; |
|
(5) the Department of Agriculture; |
|
(6) the Texas AgriLife [Agricultural] Extension |
|
Service; |
|
(7) the State Soil and Water Conservation Board; |
|
(8) the Texas Department of Housing and Community |
|
Affairs; |
|
(9) the Texas Forest Service; |
|
(10) the Texas Department of Transportation; |
|
(11) the Texas Department of Economic Development; and |
|
(12) a representative of groundwater management |
|
interests who is appointed by the governor. |
|
SECTION 2B.12. Section 1(3), Chapter 350 (S.B. 1101), Acts |
|
of the 71st Legislature, Regular Session, 1989 (Article 6419c, |
|
Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), is amended to read as follows: |
|
(3) "Division of emergency management" means the Texas |
|
Division of Emergency Management [division of emergency management
|
|
of the office of the governor]. |
|
SECTION 2B.13. A reference in law or a rule to the |
|
"governor's division of emergency management" or the "division of |
|
emergency management in the office of the governor" means the Texas |
|
Division of Emergency Management in the Department of Public Safety |
|
of the State of Texas. |
|
ARTICLE 3. ADMINISTRATIVE SUSPENSION OF DRIVER'S LICENSE FOR |
|
INTOXICATION OFFENSES |
|
SECTION 3.01. Section 524.038, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended by amending Subsection (d) and adding Subsection (e) to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(d) An affidavit from an expert witness [a person] whose |
|
presence is timely requested under this section is inadmissible if |
|
the expert witness [person] fails to appear at a hearing without a |
|
showing of good cause. Otherwise, an affidavit under this section |
|
may be submitted in lieu of an appearance at the hearing by the |
|
[breath test operator, breath test technical supervisor, or] expert |
|
witness. |
|
(e) An affidavit from a breath test operator or breath test |
|
technical supervisor is admissible unless the judge determines that |
|
justice requires the breath test operator or breath test technical |
|
supervisor to be present. |
|
SECTION 3.02. Section 524.039, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 524.039. APPEARANCE OF TECHNICIANS AT HEARING. (a) |
|
Not [Notwithstanding Section 524.038, if not] later than the fifth |
|
day before the date of a scheduled hearing, [the department
|
|
receives from] the person who requested a hearing may apply to the |
|
State Office of Administrative Hearings to issue a subpoena for the |
|
attendance [written notice, including a facsimile transmission,
|
|
requesting the presence at the hearing] of the breath test operator |
|
who took the specimen of the person's breath to determine alcohol |
|
concentration or the certified breath test technical supervisor |
|
responsible for maintaining and directing the operation of the |
|
breath test instrument used to analyze the specimen of the person's |
|
breath, or both[, each requested person must appear at the
|
|
hearing]. The State Office of Administrative Hearings shall issue |
|
the subpoena only on a showing of good cause. |
|
(b) The department may reschedule a hearing once not less |
|
than 48 hours before the hearing if a [the] person subpoenaed |
|
[requested to attend] under Subsection (a) is unavailable. The |
|
department may also reschedule the hearing on showing good cause |
|
that a [the] person subpoenaed [requested] under Subsection (a) is |
|
not available at the time of the hearing. |
|
SECTION 3.03. The changes in law made by this article by the |
|
amendment of Sections 524.038 and 524.039, Transportation Code, |
|
apply only to a hearing conducted on or after September 1, 2009. A |
|
hearing conducted before September 1, 2009, is covered by the law in |
|
effect immediately before that date, and the former law is |
|
continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 3.04. This article takes effect September 1, 2009. |
|
ARTICLE 4. CHANGES TO PRIVATE SECURITY ACT |
|
SECTION 4.01. Section 1702.002, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended by amending Subdivisions (2), (3), (5), (11), (12), (13), |
|
(17), (19), (20), and (21) and adding Subdivision (6-b) to read as |
|
follows: |
|
(2) "Branch office" means an office that is: |
|
(A) identified to the public as a place from |
|
which business is conducted, solicited, or advertised; and |
|
(B) at a place other than the principal place of |
|
business as shown in board [commission] records. |
|
(3) "Branch office license" means a permit issued by |
|
the board [commission] that entitles a person to operate at a branch |
|
office as a security services contractor or investigations company. |
|
(5) "Commissioned security officer" means a security |
|
officer to whom a security officer commission has been issued by the |
|
board [commission]. |
|
(6-b) "Endorsement" means a permit entitling an |
|
individual holding a registration to perform a service regulated by |
|
this chapter for an appropriately licensed company. |
|
(11) "Letter of authority" means a permit issued by |
|
the board [commission] that entitles the security department of a |
|
private business or a political subdivision to employ a |
|
commissioned security officer. |
|
(12) "License" means a permit issued by the board |
|
[commission] that entitles a person to operate as a security |
|
services contractor or investigations company. |
|
(13) "License holder" means a person to whom the board |
|
[commission] issues a license. |
|
(17) "Personal protection officer endorsement |
|
[authorization]" means a permit issued by the board [commission] |
|
that entitles an individual to act as a personal protection |
|
officer. |
|
(19) "Registrant" means an individual who has |
|
registered with the board [commission] under Section 1702.221. |
|
(20) "Registration" means a permit issued by the board |
|
[commission] to an individual described by Section 1702.221. |
|
(21) "Security officer commission" means an |
|
authorization issued by the board [commission] that entitles a |
|
security officer to carry a firearm. |
|
SECTION 4.02. Section 1702.004, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.004. GENERAL SCOPE OF REGULATION. (a) The board, |
|
in addition to performing duties required by other law or |
|
exercising powers granted by other law: |
|
(1) licenses investigations companies and security |
|
services contractors; |
|
(2) issues commissions to certain security officers; |
|
(3) issues endorsements [authorizations] to certain |
|
security officers engaged in the personal protection of |
|
individuals; |
|
(4) registers and endorses: |
|
(A) certain individuals connected with a license |
|
holder; and |
|
(B) certain individuals employed in a field |
|
connected to private investigation or private security; and |
|
(5) regulates license holders, security officers, |
|
[and] registrants, and endorsement holders under this chapter. |
|
(b) The board shall adopt rules necessary to comply with |
|
Chapter 53 [does not apply to this chapter or to any licensing,
|
|
regulatory, or disciplinary determinations made under this
|
|
chapter]. In its rules under this section, the board shall list the |
|
specific offenses for each category of regulated persons for which |
|
a conviction would constitute grounds for the board to take action |
|
under Section 53.021. |
|
SECTION 4.03. The heading to Subchapter B, Chapter 1702, |
|
Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. TEXAS [COMMISSION ON] PRIVATE SECURITY BOARD |
|
SECTION 4.04. Section 1702.021, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.021. BOARD [COMMISSION] MEMBERSHIP. (a) The |
|
Texas Private Security Board consists of seven members appointed by |
|
the governor with the advice and consent of the senate as follows: |
|
(1) four public members, each of whom is a citizen of |
|
the United States; |
|
(2) one member who is licensed under this chapter as a |
|
private investigator; |
|
(3) one member who is licensed under this chapter as an |
|
alarm systems company; and |
|
(4) one member who is licensed under this chapter as |
|
the owner or operator of a guard company. |
|
(b) Appointments to the board [commission] shall be made |
|
without regard to the race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, |
|
or national origin of the appointee. |
|
[(c)
On presentation by a commission member of the
|
|
constitutional oath taken by the member, together with the
|
|
certificate of appointment, the secretary of state shall issue a
|
|
commission to the member as evidence of the member's authority to
|
|
act as a commission member.] |
|
SECTION 4.05. Section 1702.023, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.023. ELIGIBILITY OF PUBLIC MEMBERS. The board's |
|
[commission's] public members must be representatives of the |
|
general public. A person may not be a public member of the board |
|
[commission] if the person or the person's spouse: |
|
(1) is registered, commissioned, certified, or |
|
licensed by a regulatory agency in the field of private |
|
investigations or private security; |
|
(2) is employed by or participates in the management |
|
of a business entity or other organization regulated by or |
|
receiving money from the board [commission]; |
|
(3) owns or controls, directly or indirectly, more |
|
than a 10 percent interest in a business entity or other |
|
organization regulated by or receiving money from the board |
|
[commission]; or |
|
(4) uses or receives a substantial amount of tangible |
|
goods, services, or money from the board [commission] other than |
|
compensation or reimbursement authorized by law for board |
|
[commission] membership, attendance, or expenses. |
|
SECTION 4.06. Sections 1702.024(b) and (c), Occupations |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) A person may not be a board [commission] member, and may |
|
not be a department [commission] employee whose primary duties |
|
include private security regulation and who is employed in a "bona |
|
fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity," as that |
|
phrase is used for purposes of establishing an exemption to the |
|
overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 |
|
(29 U.S.C. Section 201 et seq.), and its subsequent amendments, if: |
|
(1) the person is an officer, employee, or paid |
|
consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of private |
|
investigation or private security; or |
|
(2) the person's spouse is an officer, manager, or paid |
|
consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of private |
|
investigation or private security. |
|
(c) A person may not be a board [commission] member or act as |
|
general counsel to the board [commission] or agency if the person is |
|
required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305, Government |
|
Code, because of the person's activities for compensation on behalf |
|
of a profession related to the operation of the agency. |
|
SECTION 4.07. Section 1702.027, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.027. GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL. (a) It is a ground for |
|
removal from the board [commission] that a member: |
|
(1) does not have the qualifications required by |
|
Section 1702.021 at the time of taking office; |
|
(2) does not maintain the qualifications required by |
|
Section 1702.021 during service on the board [commission]; |
|
(3) is ineligible for membership under Section |
|
1702.023 or 1702.024; |
|
(4) cannot, because of illness or disability, |
|
discharge the member's duties for a substantial part of the member's |
|
term; or |
|
(5) is absent from more than half of the regularly |
|
scheduled board [commission] meetings that the member is eligible |
|
to attend during a calendar year without an excuse approved by a |
|
majority vote of the board [commission]. |
|
(b) The validity of an action of the board [commission] is |
|
not affected by the fact that it is taken when a ground for removal |
|
of a board [commission] member exists. |
|
(c) If the chief administrator [director] has knowledge |
|
that a potential ground for removal exists, the chief administrator |
|
[director] shall notify the presiding officer of the board |
|
[commission] of the potential ground. The presiding officer shall |
|
then notify the governor and the attorney general that a potential |
|
ground for removal exists. If the potential ground for removal |
|
involves the presiding officer, the chief administrator [director] |
|
shall notify the next highest ranking officer of the board |
|
[commission], who shall then notify the governor and the attorney |
|
general that a potential ground for removal exists. |
|
SECTION 4.08. Section 1702.028, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.028. PER DIEM; REIMBURSEMENT. (a) A board |
|
[commission] member is entitled to a per diem as set by legislative |
|
appropriation for each day the member engages in the business of the |
|
board [commission]. |
|
(b) A member is entitled to reimbursement for travel |
|
[transportation] expenses incurred while conducting board |
|
business, including expenses for transportation, meals, and |
|
lodging, as prescribed by the General Appropriations Act. [A
|
|
member may not receive compensation for travel expenses, including
|
|
expenses for meals and lodging, other than transportation
|
|
expenses.] |
|
SECTION 4.09. Section 1702.029, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.029. MEETINGS. The board [commission] shall meet |
|
at regular intervals to be decided by the board [commission]. |
|
SECTION 4.10. Section 1702.030, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.030. TRAINING. (a) A person who is appointed to |
|
and qualifies for office as a board [commission] member may not |
|
vote, deliberate, or be counted as a member in attendance at a board |
|
[commission] meeting until the person completes a training program |
|
that complies with this section. |
|
(b) The training program must provide the person with |
|
information regarding: |
|
(1) this chapter; |
|
(2) the programs operated by the board [commission]; |
|
(3) the role and functions of the board [commission]; |
|
(4) the rules of the board [commission], with an |
|
emphasis on the rules that relate to disciplinary and investigatory |
|
authority; |
|
(5) the current budget for the board [commission]; |
|
(6) the results of the most recent formal audit of the |
|
board [commission]; |
|
(7) the requirements of: |
|
(A) the open meetings law, Chapter 551, |
|
Government Code; |
|
(B) the public information law, Chapter 552, |
|
Government Code; |
|
(C) the administrative procedure law, Chapter |
|
2001, Government Code; and |
|
(D) other laws relating to public officials, |
|
including conflict of interest laws; and |
|
(8) any applicable ethics policies adopted by the |
|
board [commission] or the Texas Ethics Commission. |
|
(c) A person appointed to the board [commission] is entitled |
|
to reimbursement, as provided by the General Appropriations Act, |
|
for the travel expenses incurred in attending the training program |
|
regardless of whether the attendance at the program occurs before |
|
or after the person qualifies for office. |
|
SECTION 4.11. The heading to Subchapter C, Chapter 1702, |
|
Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR [DIRECTOR] AND PERSONNEL |
|
SECTION 4.12. Section 1702.041, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.041. CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR [DIRECTOR]. (a) The |
|
[director is the] chief administrator is responsible for the |
|
administration of this chapter under the direction of the board |
|
[commission]. The chief administrator [director] shall perform |
|
duties as prescribed by the board and the department [commission]. |
|
(b) The chief administrator [director] is a full-time |
|
employee of the department [commission]. A board [commission] |
|
member may not serve as chief administrator [director]. |
|
SECTION 4.13. Section 1702.042, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.042. PERSONNEL; CONFLICT OF INTEREST. An |
|
employee of the department whose primary duties include private |
|
security regulation [commission] may not: |
|
(1) have a financial or business interest, contingent |
|
or otherwise, in a security services contractor or investigations |
|
company; or |
|
(2) be licensed under this chapter. |
|
SECTION 4.14. Section 1702.043, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.043. DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES. The board |
|
[commission] shall develop and implement policies that clearly |
|
separate the policy-making responsibilities of the board |
|
[commission] and the management responsibilities of the chief |
|
administrator [director] and staff of the department [commission]. |
|
SECTION 4.15. Section 1702.044, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.044. QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS OF CONDUCT |
|
INFORMATION. The chief administrator [director] or the chief |
|
administrator's [director's] designee shall provide to board |
|
[commission] members and to agency employees, as often as |
|
necessary, information regarding the requirements for office or |
|
employment under this chapter, including information regarding a |
|
person's responsibilities under applicable laws relating to |
|
standards of conduct for state officers or employees. |
|
SECTION 4.16. The heading to Subchapter D, Chapter 1702, |
|
Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. POWERS AND DUTIES OF BOARD [COMMISSION] |
|
SECTION 4.17. Section 1702.061, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.061. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF BOARD |
|
[COMMISSION]. (a) The board [Texas Commission on Private
|
|
Security] shall perform the functions and duties provided by this |
|
chapter. |
|
(b) The board [commission] shall adopt rules and general |
|
policies to guide the agency in the administration of this chapter. |
|
(c) The rules and policies adopted by the board [commission] |
|
under Subsection (b) must be consistent with this chapter and other |
|
board [commission] rules adopted under this chapter and with any |
|
other applicable law, state rule, or federal regulation. |
|
(d) The board [commission] has the powers and duties to: |
|
(1) determine the qualifications of license holders, |
|
registrants, endorsement holders, and commissioned security |
|
officers; |
|
(2) investigate alleged violations of this chapter and |
|
of board [commission] rules; |
|
(3) adopt rules necessary to implement this chapter; |
|
and |
|
(4) establish and enforce standards governing the |
|
safety and conduct of each person licensed, registered, or |
|
commissioned under this chapter. |
|
(e) The board [commission] shall have a seal in the form |
|
prescribed by the board [commission]. |
|
[(f)
The commission may commission investigators who are
|
|
employed full-time by the commission as peace officers for the
|
|
limited purpose of assisting the commission in investigating
|
|
alleged violations of this chapter and of commission rules.] |
|
SECTION 4.18. Subchapter D, Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, |
|
is amended by adding Section 1702.0612 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.0612. NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING AND ALTERNATIVE |
|
DISPUTE RESOLUTION. (a) The board shall develop and implement a |
|
policy to encourage the use of: |
|
(1) negotiated rulemaking procedures under Chapter |
|
2008, Government Code, for the adoption of board rules; and |
|
(2) appropriate alternative dispute resolution |
|
procedures under Chapter 2009, Government Code, to assist in the |
|
resolution of internal and external disputes under the board's |
|
jurisdiction. |
|
(b) The board's procedures relating to alternative dispute |
|
resolution must conform, to the extent possible, to any model |
|
guidelines issued by the State Office of Administrative Hearings |
|
for the use of alternative dispute resolution by state agencies. |
|
(c) The board shall designate a trained person to: |
|
(1) coordinate the implementation of the policy |
|
adopted under Subsection (a); |
|
(2) serve as a resource for any training needed to |
|
implement the procedures for negotiated rulemaking or alternative |
|
dispute resolution; and |
|
(3) collect data concerning the effectiveness of those |
|
procedures, as implemented by the board. |
|
SECTION 4.19. Section 1702.062, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.062. FEES. (a) The board [commission] by rule |
|
shall establish reasonable and necessary fees that produce |
|
sufficient revenue to administer this chapter. The fees may not |
|
produce unnecessary fund balances. [and may not exceed the
|
|
following amounts:
|
|
[Class A license$350 (original and renewal)
|
|
[Class B license$400 (original and renewal)
|
|
[Class C license$540 (original and renewal)
|
|
[Class D license$400 (original and renewal)
|
|
[Reinstate suspended license$150
|
|
[Assignment of license$150
|
|
[Change name of license$ 75
|
|
[Delinquency fee__
|
|
[Branch office certificate and renewal$300
|
|
[Registration fee for private investigator, manager, branch
|
|
office manager, locksmith, electronic access control device
|
|
installer, and alarm systems installer
$ 30 (original and renewal)
|
|
[Registration fee for noncommissioned security officer$ 30
|
|
(original and renewal)
|
|
[Registration fee for security salesperson$ 30
|
|
[Registration fee for alarm systems monitor$ 30
|
|
[Registration fee for dog trainer$ 30
|
|
[Registration fee for owner, officer, partner, or
|
|
shareholder of a license holder
$ 50
|
|
[Registration fee for security consultant$300
|
|
[Registration fee for employee of license holder$ 30
|
|
[Security officer commission fee$ 50
|
|
(original and renewal)
|
|
[School instructor fee$100
|
|
(original and renewal)
|
|
[School approval fee$350
|
|
(original and renewal)
|
|
[Letter of authority fee for private business and political
|
|
subdivision
$400
|
|
[Letter of authority renewal fee for private business and
|
|
political subdivision
$225
|
|
[Letter of authority fee for commissioned officer,
|
|
noncommissioned officer, or personal protection officer for
|
|
political subdivision
$ 10
|
|
[FBI fingerprint check$ 25
|
|
[Duplicate pocket card$ 10
|
|
[Employee information update fee$ 15
|
|
[Burglar alarm sellers renewal fee$ 30
|
|
[Personal protection officer authorization$ 50] |
|
(b) The board [In addition to other fees established under
|
|
this chapter, the commission] may charge a fee each time the board |
|
[commission] requires a person regulated under this chapter to |
|
resubmit a set of fingerprints for processing by the board |
|
[commission] during the application process for a license, |
|
registration, endorsement, or commission. The board [commission] |
|
shall set the fee in an amount that is reasonable and necessary to |
|
cover the [commission's] administrative expenses related to |
|
processing the fingerprints. |
|
(c) A person whose pocket card has not expired is not |
|
eligible to receive from the board [commission] another pocket card |
|
in the same classification in which the pocket card is held. |
|
SECTION 4.20. The heading to Section 1702.063, Occupations |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.063. BOARD [COMMISSION] USE OF FINES. |
|
SECTION 4.21. Section 1702.0635, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.0635. RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN RULES. The board |
|
[commission] may not adopt rules or establish unduly restrictive |
|
experience or education requirements that limit a person's ability |
|
to be licensed as an electronic access control device company or be |
|
registered as an electronic access control device installer. |
|
SECTION 4.22. Section 1702.064, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.064. RULES RESTRICTING ADVERTISING OR |
|
COMPETITIVE BIDDING. (a) The board [commission] may not adopt |
|
rules restricting advertising or competitive bidding by a person |
|
regulated by the board [commission] except to prohibit false, |
|
misleading, or deceptive practices by the person. |
|
(b) The board [commission] may not include in its rules to |
|
prohibit false, misleading, or deceptive practices by a person |
|
regulated by the board [commission] a rule that: |
|
(1) restricts the person's use of any medium for |
|
advertising; |
|
(2) restricts the person's personal appearance or use |
|
of the person's personal voice in an advertisement; |
|
(3) relates to the size or duration of an |
|
advertisement by the person; or |
|
(4) restricts the person's advertisement under a trade |
|
name. |
|
SECTION 4.23. Section 1702.0645, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.0645. PAYMENT OF FEES AND FINES. (a) The board |
|
[commission] may adopt rules regarding the method of payment of a |
|
fee or a fine assessed under this chapter. |
|
(b) Rules adopted under this section may: |
|
(1) authorize the use of electronic funds transfer or |
|
a valid credit card issued by a financial institution chartered by a |
|
state or the federal government or by a nationally recognized |
|
credit organization approved by the board [commission]; and |
|
(2) require the payment of a discount or a reasonable |
|
service charge for a credit card payment in addition to the fee or |
|
the fine. |
|
SECTION 4.24. Section 1702.066, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.066. SERVICE OF PROCESS; SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS ON |
|
BOARD [COMMISSION]. Legal process and documents required by law to |
|
be served on or filed with the board [commission] must be served on |
|
or filed with the chief administrator [director] at the designated |
|
office of the board [commission]. |
|
SECTION 4.25. Section 1702.067, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.067. BOARD [COMMISSION] RECORDS; EVIDENCE. An |
|
official record of the board [commission] or an affidavit by the |
|
chief administrator [director] as to the content of the record is |
|
prima facie evidence of a matter required to be kept by the board |
|
[commission]. |
|
SECTION 4.26. Section 1702.068, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.068. APPEAL BOND NOT REQUIRED. The board |
|
[commission] is not required to give an appeal bond in any cause |
|
arising under this chapter. |
|
SECTION 4.27. Section 1702.081, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.081. PUBLIC INTEREST INFORMATION. (a) The board |
|
[commission] shall prepare information of interest to consumers or |
|
recipients of services regulated under this chapter describing the |
|
board's [commission's] regulatory functions and the procedures by |
|
which complaints are filed with and resolved by the board |
|
[commission]. |
|
(b) The board [commission] shall make the information |
|
available to the public and appropriate state agencies. |
|
SECTION 4.28. Section 1702.082, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.082. COMPLAINTS. (a) The board [commission by
|
|
rule shall establish methods by which consumers and service
|
|
recipients are notified of the name, mailing address, and telephone
|
|
number of the commission for the purpose of directing complaints to
|
|
the commission. The commission may provide for that notice:
|
|
[(1)
on each registration form, application, or
|
|
written contract for services of a person regulated under this
|
|
chapter;
|
|
[(2)
on a sign prominently displayed in the place of
|
|
business of each person regulated under this chapter; or
|
|
[(3)
in a bill for services provided by a person
|
|
regulated under this chapter.
|
|
[(b) The commission] shall maintain a system to promptly and |
|
efficiently act on complaints [file on each written complaint] |
|
filed with the board [commission]. The board shall maintain |
|
information about parties to the complaint, [file must include:
|
|
[(1) the name of the person who filed the complaint;
|
|
[(2)
the date the complaint is received by the
|
|
commission;
|
|
[(3)] the subject matter of the complaint, [;
|
|
[(4)
the name of each person contacted in relation to
|
|
the complaint;
|
|
[(5)] a summary of the results of the review or |
|
investigation of the complaint, [;] and its disposition |
|
[(6)
an explanation of the reason the file was closed,
|
|
if the agency closed the file without taking action other than to
|
|
investigate the complaint]. |
|
(b) [(c)] The board [commission] shall make information |
|
available describing its [provide to the person filing the
|
|
complaint a copy of the commission's policies and] procedures for |
|
[relating to] complaint investigation and resolution. |
|
(c) The board shall periodically [(d)
Unless it would
|
|
jeopardize an undercover investigation, the commission shall
|
|
provide to each person who is a subject of the complaint a copy of
|
|
the commission's policies and procedures relating to complaint
|
|
investigation and resolution.
|
|
[(e)
The commission, at least quarterly until final
|
|
disposition of the complaint, shall] notify the [person filing the] |
|
complaint parties [and each person who is a subject of the
|
|
complaint] of the status of the complaint until final disposition |
|
[investigation unless the notice would jeopardize an undercover
|
|
investigation]. |
|
SECTION 4.29. Section 1702.083, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.083. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. The board |
|
[commission] shall develop and implement policies that provide the |
|
public with a reasonable opportunity to appear before the board |
|
[commission] and to speak on any issue under the board's |
|
[commission's] jurisdiction. |
|
SECTION 4.30. Section 1702.084, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.084. PUBLIC ACCESS TO CERTAIN RECORDS OF |
|
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS. (a) The board [commission] shall make |
|
available to the public through a toll-free telephone number, |
|
Internet website, or other easily accessible medium determined by |
|
the board [commission] the following information relating to a |
|
disciplinary action taken during the preceding three years |
|
regarding a person regulated by the board [commission]: |
|
(1) the identity of the person; |
|
(2) the nature of the complaint that was the basis of |
|
the disciplinary action taken against the person; and |
|
(3) the disciplinary action taken by the board |
|
[commission]. |
|
(b) In providing the information, the board [commission] |
|
shall present the information in an impartial manner, use language |
|
that is commonly understood, and, if possible, avoid jargon |
|
specific to the security industry. |
|
(c) The board [commission] shall update the information on a |
|
monthly basis. |
|
(d) The board [commission] shall maintain the |
|
confidentiality of information regarding the identification of a |
|
complainant. |
|
SECTION 4.31. Section 1702.103, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.103. CLASSIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LICENSES. |
|
(a) The license classifications are: |
|
(1) Class A: investigations company license, covering |
|
operations of an investigations company; |
|
(2) Class B: security services contractor license, |
|
covering operations of a security services contractor; |
|
(3) Class C: covering the operations included within |
|
Class A and Class B; [and] |
|
(4) Class F: level III training school license; |
|
(5) Class O: alarm level I training school license; |
|
(6) Class P: private business letter of authority |
|
license; |
|
(7) Class X: government letter of authority license; |
|
and |
|
(8) Class T: telematics license [Class D: electronic
|
|
access control device license, covering operations of an electronic
|
|
access control device company]. |
|
(b) A [Class A, B, C, or D] license described by this chapter |
|
does not authorize the license holder to perform a service for which |
|
the license holder has not qualified. A person may not engage in an |
|
operation outside the scope of that person's license. The board |
|
[commission] shall indicate on the license the services the license |
|
holder is authorized to perform. The license holder may not perform |
|
a service unless it is indicated on the license. |
|
(c) A license is not assignable unless the assignment is |
|
approved in advance by the board [commission]. |
|
(d) The board [commission] shall prescribe by rule the |
|
procedure under which a license may be terminated. |
|
(e) The board by rule may establish other license |
|
classifications for activities expressly regulated by this chapter |
|
and may establish qualifications and practice requirements |
|
consistent with this chapter for those license classifications. |
|
SECTION 4.32. Section 1702.110, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.110. APPLICATION FOR LICENSE. An application for |
|
a license under this chapter must be in the form prescribed by the |
|
board [commission] and include: |
|
(1) the full name and business address of the |
|
applicant; |
|
(2) the name under which the applicant intends to do |
|
business; |
|
(3) a statement as to the general nature of the |
|
business in which the applicant intends to engage; |
|
(4) a statement as to the classification for which the |
|
applicant requests qualification; |
|
(5) if the applicant is an entity other than an |
|
individual, the full name and residence address of each partner, |
|
officer, and director of the applicant, and of the applicant's |
|
manager; |
|
(6) if the applicant is an individual, two |
|
classifiable sets of fingerprints of the applicant or, if the |
|
applicant is an entity other than an individual, of each officer and |
|
of each partner or shareholder who owns at least a 25 percent |
|
interest in the applicant; |
|
(7) a verified statement of the applicant's experience |
|
qualifications in the particular classification in which the |
|
applicant is applying; |
|
(8) a report from the department [Texas Department of
|
|
Public Safety] stating the applicant's record of any convictions |
|
for a Class B misdemeanor or equivalent offense or a greater |
|
offense; |
|
(9) the social security number of the individual |
|
making the application; and |
|
(10) other information, evidence, statements, or |
|
documents required by the board [commission]. |
|
SECTION 4.33. Section 1702.111, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.111. ISSUANCE OF BRANCH OFFICE LICENSE. (a) A |
|
license holder, in accordance with Section 1702.129, shall notify |
|
the board [commission] in writing of the establishment of a branch |
|
office and file in writing with the board [commission] the address |
|
of the branch office. |
|
(b) On application by a license holder, the board |
|
[commission] shall issue a branch office license. |
|
SECTION 4.34. Section 1702.112, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.112. FORM OF LICENSE. The board [commission] |
|
shall prescribe the form of a license, including a branch office |
|
license. The license must include: |
|
(1) the name of the license holder; |
|
(2) the name under which the license holder is to |
|
operate; and |
|
(3) the license number and the date the license was |
|
issued. |
|
SECTION 4.35. Sections 1702.113(a) and (c), Occupations |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) An applicant for a license, certificate of |
|
registration, endorsement, or security officer commission or the |
|
applicant's manager must be at least 18 years of age and must not: |
|
(1) [have been convicted in any jurisdiction of two or
|
|
more felony offenses, unless full pardons have been granted for all
|
|
convictions for reasons relating to wrongful convictions;
|
|
[(2)
have been convicted in any jurisdiction of any of
|
|
the following:
|
|
[(A)
a single felony or equivalent offense for
|
|
which the 20th anniversary of the date of conviction has not
|
|
occurred before the date of application, unless a full pardon has
|
|
been granted for reasons relating to a wrongful conviction; or
|
|
[(B)
a Class A misdemeanor or equivalent offense
|
|
for which the 10th anniversary of the date of conviction has not
|
|
occurred before the date of application, unless a full pardon has
|
|
been granted for reasons relating to a wrongful conviction;
|
|
[(3)] at the time of application be charged with the |
|
commission of a Class A misdemeanor or felony offense, under an |
|
information or indictment; |
|
[(4)
in the 10 years preceding the date of
|
|
application, have been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent
|
|
conduct violating a penal law of the grade of felony;] |
|
(2) [(5)] have been found by a court to be incompetent |
|
by reason of a mental defect or disease and not have been restored |
|
to competency; |
|
(3) [(6)] have been dishonorably discharged from the |
|
United States armed services, discharged from the United States |
|
armed services under other conditions determined by the board to be |
|
prohibitive, or dismissed from the United States armed services if |
|
a commissioned officer in the United States armed services; or |
|
(4) [(7)] be required to register in this or any other |
|
state as a sex offender, unless the applicant is approved by the |
|
board under Section 1702.3615. |
|
(c) For purposes of this section, an offense under the laws |
|
of this state, another state, or the United States is considered[:
|
|
[(1) a felony if the offense:
|
|
[(A)
at the time of conviction was designated by
|
|
a law of this state as a felony, including a state jail felony;
|
|
[(B)
contains all the elements of an offense
|
|
designated by a law of this state as a felony, including a state
|
|
jail felony; or
|
|
[(C)
is punishable by confinement for one year or
|
|
more in a penitentiary;
|
|
[(2)
a Class A misdemeanor if the offense is not a
|
|
felony and the offense:
|
|
[(A)
at the time of conviction was designated by
|
|
a law of this state as a Class A misdemeanor;
|
|
[(B)
contains all the elements of an offense
|
|
designated by a law of this state as a Class A misdemeanor; or
|
|
[(C)
provides as a possible punishment
|
|
confinement in a jail other than a state jail felony facility; or
|
|
[(3)] a Class B misdemeanor if the offense is not a |
|
felony or Class A misdemeanor and the offense: |
|
(1) [(A)] at the time of conviction was designated by |
|
a law of this state as a Class B misdemeanor; |
|
(2) [(B)] contains all the elements of an offense |
|
designated by a law of this state as a Class B misdemeanor; or |
|
(3) [(C)] provides as a possible punishment |
|
confinement in a jail other than a state jail felony facility. |
|
SECTION 4.36. Section 1702.114, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.114. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR |
|
INVESTIGATIONS COMPANY LICENSE. (a) An applicant for a license to |
|
engage in the business of an investigations company or the |
|
applicant's manager must have, before the date of the application, |
|
three consecutive years' experience in the investigative field as |
|
an employee, manager, or owner of an investigations company or |
|
satisfy other requirements set by the board [commission]. |
|
(b) The applicant's experience must be: |
|
(1) reviewed by the board [commission] or the chief |
|
administrator [director]; and |
|
(2) determined to be adequate to qualify the applicant |
|
to engage in the business of an investigations company. |
|
SECTION 4.37. Section 1702.115, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.115. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR SECURITY |
|
SERVICES CONTRACTOR LICENSE. (a) An applicant for a license to |
|
engage in the business of a security services contractor or the |
|
applicant's manager must have, before the date of the application, |
|
two consecutive years' experience in each security services field |
|
for which the person applies as an employee, manager, or owner of a |
|
security services contractor or satisfy other requirements set by |
|
the board [commission]. |
|
(b) The applicant's experience must have been obtained |
|
legally and must be: |
|
(1) reviewed by the board [commission] or the chief |
|
administrator [director]; and |
|
(2) determined to be adequate to qualify the applicant |
|
to engage in the business of a security services contractor. |
|
SECTION 4.38. Section 1702.116, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.116. QUALIFICATIONS FOR GUARD DOG COMPANY |
|
LICENSE; INSPECTIONS. (a) An applicant for a license to engage in |
|
the business of a guard dog company must: |
|
(1) meet the requirements of Sections 1702.113 and |
|
1702.115; and |
|
(2) present evidence satisfactory to the board |
|
[commission] that the applicant will comply with the rules adopted |
|
under this section. |
|
(b) After consulting the [Texas] Department of State Health |
|
Services, the board [commission] shall adopt rules to ensure that |
|
the areas in which a guard dog company houses, exercises, or trains |
|
its animals are securely enclosed by a six-foot chain-link fence or |
|
made equally secure. |
|
(c) The board [commission] shall conduct regular |
|
inspections to ensure compliance with the rules adopted under this |
|
section. |
|
SECTION 4.39. Sections 1702.117(a), (c), and (d), |
|
Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The board [commission] shall require an applicant for a |
|
commission, license, registration, or endorsement under this |
|
chapter or the applicant's manager to demonstrate qualifications in |
|
the person's license classification, including knowledge of |
|
applicable state laws and board [commission] rules, by taking an |
|
examination to be determined by the board [commission]. |
|
(c) The board [commission] shall set the reexamination fee |
|
in an amount not to exceed the amount of the renewal fee for the |
|
license classification for which application was made. |
|
(d) The board [commission] shall develop and provide to a |
|
person who applies to take the examination under Subsection (a) |
|
material containing all applicable state laws and board |
|
[commission] rules. |
|
SECTION 4.40. Section 1702.118, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.118. EXAMINATION RESULTS. (a) Not later than the |
|
30th day after the date a person takes a licensing examination under |
|
this chapter, the board [commission] shall notify the person of the |
|
examination results. |
|
(b) If an examination is graded or reviewed by a testing |
|
service: |
|
(1) the board [commission] shall notify the person of |
|
the examination results not later than the 14th day after the date |
|
the board [commission] receives the results from the testing |
|
service; and |
|
(2) if notice of the examination results will be |
|
delayed for longer than 90 days after the examination date, the |
|
board [commission] shall notify the person of the reason for the |
|
delay before the 90th day. |
|
(c) The board [commission] may require a testing service to |
|
notify a person of the results of the person's examination. |
|
(d) If requested in writing by a person who fails a |
|
licensing examination administered under this chapter, the board |
|
[commission] shall furnish the person with an analysis of the |
|
person's performance on the examination. |
|
SECTION 4.41. Section 1702.1183, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.1183. RECIPROCAL LICENSE FOR CERTAIN FOREIGN |
|
APPLICANTS. (a) The board [commission] may waive any prerequisite |
|
to obtaining a license for an applicant who holds a license issued |
|
by another jurisdiction with which this state has a reciprocity |
|
agreement. |
|
(b) The board [commission] may make an agreement, subject to |
|
the approval of the governor, with another state to allow for |
|
licensing by reciprocity. |
|
SECTION 4.42. Section 1702.1186, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.1186. PROVISIONAL LICENSE. (a) The board |
|
[commission] may issue a provisional license to an applicant |
|
currently licensed in another jurisdiction who seeks an equivalent |
|
license in this state and who: |
|
(1) has been licensed in good standing as an |
|
investigations company or security services contractor for at least |
|
two years in another jurisdiction, including a foreign country, |
|
that has licensing requirements substantially equivalent to the |
|
requirements of this chapter; |
|
(2) has passed a national or other examination |
|
recognized by the board [commission] relating to the practice of |
|
private investigations or security services contracting; and |
|
(3) is sponsored by a person licensed by the board |
|
[commission] under this chapter with whom the provisional license |
|
holder will practice during the time the person holds a provisional |
|
license. |
|
(b) A provisional license is valid until the date the board |
|
[commission] approves or denies the provisional license holder's |
|
application for a license. The board [commission] shall issue a |
|
license under this chapter to the provisional license holder if: |
|
(1) the provisional license holder is eligible to be |
|
licensed under Section 1702.1183; or |
|
(2) the provisional license holder: |
|
(A) passes the part of the examination under |
|
Section 1702.117(a) that relates to the applicant's knowledge and |
|
understanding of the laws and rules relating to the practice of an |
|
investigations company or security services contractor in this |
|
state; |
|
(B) is verified by the board [commission] as |
|
meeting the academic and experience requirements for a license |
|
under this chapter; and |
|
(C) satisfies any other licensing requirements |
|
under this chapter. |
|
(c) The board [commission] must approve or deny a |
|
provisional license holder's application for a license not later |
|
than the 180th day after the date the provisional license is issued. |
|
The board [commission] may extend the 180-day period if the results |
|
of an examination have not been received by the board [commission] |
|
before the end of that period. |
|
(d) The board [commission] may establish a fee for |
|
provisional licenses in an amount reasonable and necessary to cover |
|
the cost of issuing the license. |
|
SECTION 4.43. Section 1702.120(b), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) An individual may not apply to the board [commission] to |
|
serve as manager of an investigations company, guard company, alarm |
|
systems company, armored car company, courier company, or guard dog |
|
company without the intent to maintain that supervisory position on |
|
a daily basis for that company. |
|
SECTION 4.44. Section 1702.121, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.121. TERMINATION OF MANAGER. A license holder |
|
shall notify the board [commission] in writing not later than the |
|
14th day after the date a manager ceases to be manager of the |
|
license holder's business. The license remains in effect for a |
|
reasonable period after notice is given as provided by board |
|
[commission] rule pending the board's [commission's] determination |
|
of the qualification of another manager under this subchapter. |
|
SECTION 4.45. Section 1702.122, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.122. TEMPORARY CONTINUATION OF LICENSE HOLDER'S |
|
BUSINESS. Under the terms provided by board [commission] rule, a |
|
license holder's business may continue for a temporary period if |
|
the individual on the basis of whose qualifications a license under |
|
this chapter has been obtained ceases to be connected with the |
|
license holder. |
|
SECTION 4.46. Section 1702.123, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.123. INSURANCE; BOND. (a) A license holder shall |
|
maintain on file with the board [commission] at all times the surety |
|
bond and certificate of insurance required by this chapter. |
|
(b) The board [commission] shall immediately suspend the |
|
license of a license holder who violates Subsection (a). |
|
(c) The board [commission] may rescind the license |
|
suspension if the license holder provides proof to the board |
|
[commission] that the bond or the insurance coverage is still in |
|
effect. The license holder must provide the proof in a form |
|
satisfactory to the board [commission] not later than the 10th day |
|
after the date the license is suspended. |
|
(d) After suspension of the license, the board [commission] |
|
may not reinstate the license until an application, in the form |
|
prescribed by the board [commission], is filed accompanied by a |
|
proper bond, insurance certificate, or both. The board |
|
[commission] may deny the application notwithstanding the |
|
applicant's compliance with this section: |
|
(1) for a reason that would justify suspending, |
|
revoking, or denying a license; or |
|
(2) if, during the suspension, the applicant performs |
|
a practice for which a license is required. |
|
SECTION 4.47. Section 1702.125, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.125. BOND REQUIREMENT. A bond executed and filed |
|
with the board [commission] under this chapter remains in effect |
|
until the surety terminates future liability by providing to the |
|
board [commission] at least 30 days' notice of the intent to |
|
terminate liability. |
|
SECTION 4.48. Sections 1702.127(b) and (c), Occupations |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) A license holder shall maintain a record containing |
|
information related to the license holder's employees as required |
|
by the board [commission]. |
|
(c) A license holder shall maintain for board [commission] |
|
inspection at the license holder's principal place of business or |
|
branch office two recent color photographs, of a type required by |
|
the board [commission], of each applicant, registrant, |
|
commissioned security officer, and employee of the license holder. |
|
SECTION 4.49. Section 1702.129, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.129. NOTICE OF CERTAIN CHANGES; BRANCH OFFICES. |
|
(a) A license holder shall notify the board [commission] not later |
|
than the 14th day after the date of: |
|
(1) a change of address for the license holder's |
|
principal place of business; |
|
(2) a change of a name under which the license holder |
|
does business; or |
|
(3) a change in the license holder's officers or |
|
partners. |
|
(b) A license holder shall notify the board [commission] in |
|
writing not later than the 14th day after the date a branch office: |
|
(1) is established; |
|
(2) is closed; or |
|
(3) changes address or location. |
|
SECTION 4.50. Section 1702.131, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.131. ADVERTISING. An advertisement by a license |
|
holder soliciting or advertising business must contain the license |
|
holder's company name and address as stated in board [commission] |
|
records. |
|
SECTION 4.51. Section 1702.161(b), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) An individual employed as a security officer may not |
|
knowingly carry a firearm during the course of performing duties as |
|
a security officer unless the board [commission] has issued a |
|
security officer commission to the individual. |
|
SECTION 4.52. Section 1702.162, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.162. EMPLOYER'S APPLICATION FOR SECURITY OFFICER |
|
COMMISSION. The employer of a security officer who applies for a |
|
security officer commission for the officer must submit an |
|
application to the board [commission] on a form provided by the |
|
board [commission]. |
|
SECTION 4.53. Section 1702.165, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.165. ISSUANCE OF SECURITY OFFICER COMMISSION; |
|
POCKET CARD. (a) The board [commission], with the concurrence of |
|
the department [Texas Department of Public Safety]: |
|
(1) may issue a security officer commission to an |
|
individual employed as a uniformed security officer; and |
|
(2) shall issue a security officer commission to a |
|
qualified employee of an armored car company that is a carrier |
|
conducting the armored car business under a federal or state permit |
|
or certificate. |
|
(b) A security officer commission issued under this section |
|
must be in the form of a pocket card designed by the board |
|
[commission] that identifies the security officer. |
|
SECTION 4.54. Section 1702.167, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.167. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AS COMMISSIONED |
|
SECURITY OFFICER; TRANSFER OF COMMISSION. The holder of a security |
|
officer commission who terminates employment with one employer may |
|
transfer the individual's commission to a new employer if, not |
|
later than the 14th day after the date the individual begins the new |
|
employment, the new employer notifies the board [commission] of the |
|
transfer of employment on a form prescribed by the board |
|
[commission], accompanied by payment of the employee information |
|
update fee. |
|
SECTION 4.55. Sections 1702.1675(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), |
|
(f), and (i), Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The board [commission] shall establish a basic training |
|
course for commissioned security officers. The course must |
|
include, at a minimum: |
|
(1) general security officer training issues; |
|
(2) classroom instruction on handgun proficiency; and |
|
(3) range instruction on handgun proficiency. |
|
(b) The course must be offered and taught by schools and |
|
instructors approved by the board [commission]. To receive board |
|
[commission] approval, a school or an instructor must submit an |
|
application to the board [commission] on a form provided by the |
|
board [commission]. |
|
(c) The basic training course approved by the board |
|
[commission] must consist of a minimum of 30 hours. |
|
(d) The general security officer training portion of the |
|
course must include instruction on: |
|
(1) board [commission] rules and applicable state |
|
laws; |
|
(2) field note taking and report writing; and |
|
(3) any other topics of security officer training |
|
curriculum the board [commission] considers necessary. |
|
(e) The board [commission] shall develop a commissioned |
|
security officer training manual that contains applicable state |
|
laws and board [commission] rules to be used in the instruction and |
|
training of commissioned security officers. |
|
(f) The board [commission] shall adopt rules necessary to |
|
administer the provisions of this section concerning the training |
|
requirements of this chapter. |
|
(i) The board [commission] by rule shall establish minimum |
|
standards for handgun proficiency that are at least as stringent as |
|
the standards for handgun proficiency developed by the public |
|
safety director under Section 411.188, Government Code. |
|
SECTION 4.56. Section 1702.168, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.168. FIREARM REQUIREMENTS. (a) In addition to |
|
the requirements of Section 1702.163(a), the board [commission] by |
|
rule shall establish other qualifications for individuals who are |
|
employed in positions requiring the carrying of firearms. The |
|
qualifications may include: |
|
(1) physical and mental standards; |
|
(2) standards of good moral character; and |
|
(3) other requirements that relate to the competency |
|
and reliability of individuals to carry firearms. |
|
(b) The board [commission] shall prescribe appropriate |
|
forms and adopt rules by which evidence is presented that the |
|
requirements are fulfilled. |
|
SECTION 4.57. Sections 1702.1685(b) and (d), Occupations |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) Only a board-approved [commission-approved] instructor |
|
may administer the handgun proficiency examination. |
|
(d) The school shall maintain the records of the required |
|
proficiency and make the records available for inspection by the |
|
board [commission]. |
|
SECTION 4.58. Section 1702.171, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.171. SECURITY OFFICER COMMISSION RECORDS. The |
|
board [commission] shall adopt rules for the maintenance of records |
|
relating to an individual to whom the board [commission] has issued |
|
a security officer commission. |
|
SECTION 4.59. Section 1702.183, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.183. APPLICATION FOR LETTER OF AUTHORITY. A |
|
security department of a private business or of a political |
|
subdivision that applies for a security officer commission for an |
|
individual employed by the security department must submit an |
|
application to the board [commission] for a letter of authority on a |
|
form provided by the board [commission]. |
|
SECTION 4.60. The heading to Subchapter I, Chapter 1702, |
|
Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
SUBCHAPTER I. PERSONAL PROTECTION OFFICER ENDORSEMENT |
|
[AUTHORIZATION] REQUIREMENTS |
|
SECTION 4.61. Section 1702.201, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.201. PERSONAL PROTECTION OFFICER ENDORSEMENT |
|
[AUTHORIZATION] REQUIRED. A commissioned security officer may not |
|
act as a personal protection officer unless the officer holds a |
|
personal protection officer endorsement [authorization]. |
|
SECTION 4.62. Section 1702.203, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.203. APPLICATION FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION OFFICER |
|
ENDORSEMENT [AUTHORIZATION]. An applicant for a personal |
|
protection officer endorsement [authorization] must submit a |
|
written application on a form prescribed by the board [commission]. |
|
SECTION 4.63. Section 1702.204, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.204. PERSONAL PROTECTION OFFICER ENDORSEMENT |
|
[AUTHORIZATION]; QUALIFICATIONS. (a) An applicant for a personal |
|
protection officer endorsement [authorization] must be at least 21 |
|
years of age and must provide: |
|
(1) a certificate of completion of the basic security |
|
officer training course; |
|
(2) proof that the applicant: |
|
(A) has been issued a security officer |
|
commission; |
|
(B) is employed at the time of application by an |
|
investigations company or guard company licensed by the board |
|
[commission]; and |
|
(C) has completed the required training in |
|
nonlethal self-defense or defense of a third person; and |
|
(3) proof of completion and the results of the |
|
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory psychological testing. |
|
(b) The board [commission] by rule shall require an |
|
applicant for a personal protection officer endorsement |
|
[authorization] to complete the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality |
|
Inventory test. The board [commission] may use the results of the |
|
test to evaluate the applicant's psychological fitness. |
|
SECTION 4.64. Section 1702.205(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The board [commission] shall establish a 15-hour course |
|
for a personal protection officer consisting of training in |
|
nonlethal self-defense or defense of a third person. |
|
SECTION 4.65. Section 1702.206, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.206. CONCEALED FIREARMS. An individual acting as |
|
a personal protection officer may not carry a concealed firearm |
|
unless the officer: |
|
(1) is either: |
|
(A) engaged in the exclusive performance of the |
|
officer's duties as a personal protection officer for the employer |
|
under whom the officer's personal protection officer endorsement |
|
[authorization] is issued; or |
|
(B) traveling to or from the officer's place of |
|
assignment; and |
|
(2) carries the officer's security officer commission |
|
and personal protection officer endorsement [authorization] on the |
|
officer's person while performing the officer's duties or traveling |
|
as described by Subdivision (1) and presents the commission and |
|
endorsement [authorization] on request. |
|
SECTION 4.66. Section 1702.221, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.221. REGISTRATION AND ENDORSEMENT REQUIRED. (a) |
|
To perform any activity regulated by this chapter, the individual |
|
must: |
|
(1) register in accordance with the requirements of |
|
this chapter and related administrative rules; |
|
(2) obtain the proper endorsement under Subsection |
|
(b); and |
|
(3) be employed by a company licensed under this |
|
chapter. |
|
(b) An individual must obtain the appropriate endorsement |
|
[register] in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and |
|
related administrative rules if the individual: |
|
(1) is employed as: |
|
(A) an alarm instructor; |
|
(B) an alarm systems installer; |
|
(C) an [,] alarm systems monitor; |
|
(D) an [,] electronic access control device |
|
installer; |
|
(E) a level 3 classroom or firearm instructor; |
|
(F) a [,] locksmith; |
|
(G) a [,] dog trainer; |
|
(H) a [,] manager or branch office manager; |
|
(I) a [,] noncommissioned security officer; |
|
(J) a level 4 personal protection instructor; |
|
(K) a [,] private investigator; |
|
(L) a [,] private security consultant; |
|
(M) a [, or] security salesperson; or |
|
(N) an individual whose duties include |
|
performing another activity for which an endorsement is required |
|
under Subsection (e); or |
|
(2) is an owner, officer, partner, or shareholder of a |
|
license holder. |
|
(c) [(b)] Registration and endorsement under this chapter |
|
does not preclude an individual from performing additional duties |
|
or services authorized by the individual's employer that are not |
|
regulated by this chapter. An individual who performs more than one |
|
of the services that require an endorsement under this section must |
|
obtain an endorsement for each service. |
|
(d) In addition to the services listed in Subsection (a), a |
|
person holding a security officer commission must also obtain an |
|
endorsement for personal protection if the individual performs the |
|
services described by Section 1702.202. |
|
(e) The board by rule may require a person to hold an |
|
endorsement for performing other activity expressly regulated by |
|
this chapter. |
|
SECTION 4.67. Section 1702.2226(b), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) A person registered as an electronic access control |
|
device installer may not install alarm systems unless the person |
|
holds an endorsement [is registered] under this chapter as an alarm |
|
systems installer. |
|
SECTION 4.68. The heading to Subchapter J, Chapter 1702, |
|
Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
SUBCHAPTER J. REGISTRATION AND ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENTS; |
|
[REGISTRANT] DUTIES OF REGISTRANT AND ENDORSEMENT HOLDER |
|
SECTION 4.69. Section 1702.228, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.228. EMPLOYEE OF LICENSE HOLDER; REGISTRATION |
|
PERMITTED. An employee of a license holder who is employed in a |
|
capacity that is not subject to mandatory registration under this |
|
subchapter may register with the board [commission]. |
|
SECTION 4.70. Section 1702.230, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.230. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OR |
|
ENDORSEMENT. (a) An application for registration or endorsement |
|
must be verified and include: |
|
(1) the applicant's full name, residence address, |
|
residence telephone number, date and place of birth, and social |
|
security number; |
|
(2) a statement that: |
|
(A) lists each name used by the applicant, other |
|
than the name by which the applicant is known at the time of |
|
application, and an explanation stating each place where each name |
|
was used, the date of each use, and a full explanation of the |
|
reasons the name was used; or |
|
(B) states that the applicant has never used a |
|
name other than the name by which the applicant is known at the time |
|
of application; |
|
(3) the name and address of the applicant's employer |
|
and, if applicable, the applicant's consulting firm; |
|
(4) the date the employment commenced; |
|
(5) a letter from the license holder requesting that |
|
the applicant be registered or endorsed; |
|
(6) the title of the position occupied by the |
|
applicant and a description of the applicant's duties; and |
|
(7) any other information, evidence, statement, or |
|
document required by the board [commission]. |
|
(b) The employer of the applicant shall make a reasonable |
|
attempt to verify the information required under Subsection (a)(1). |
|
SECTION 4.71. Section 1702.2305, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.2305. PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION. (a) The board |
|
[commission] may issue a provisional registration to an applicant |
|
currently registered in another jurisdiction who seeks an |
|
equivalent registration in this state and who: |
|
(1) has been registered in good standing in the field |
|
in which the registration is sought for at least two years in |
|
another jurisdiction, including a foreign country, that has |
|
registration requirements substantially equivalent to the |
|
requirements of this chapter; |
|
(2) has passed a national or other examination |
|
recognized by the board [commission] relating to practice in the |
|
field in which the registration is sought; and |
|
(3) is employed by a person licensed by the board |
|
[commission] under this chapter with whom the provisional |
|
registration holder will practice during the time the person holds |
|
a provisional registration. |
|
(b) A provisional registration is valid until the date the |
|
board [commission] approves or denies the provisional registration |
|
holder's application for a registration. The board [commission] |
|
shall issue a registration under this chapter to the provisional |
|
registration holder if the provisional registration holder is |
|
eligible to be registered under this chapter. |
|
(c) The board [commission] must approve or deny a |
|
provisional registration holder's application for a registration |
|
not later than the 180th day after the date the provisional |
|
registration is issued. The board [commission] may extend the |
|
180-day period if the results of an examination have not been |
|
received by the board [commission] before the end of that period. |
|
(d) The board [commission] may establish a fee for |
|
provisional registration in an amount reasonable and necessary to |
|
cover the cost of issuing the registration. |
|
SECTION 4.72. Section 1702.232, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.232. POCKET CARDS. (a) The board [commission] |
|
shall issue a pocket card for each registrant under this chapter. A |
|
pocket card for an owner, officer, partner, or shareholder of a |
|
license holder shall be issued to the license holder. |
|
(b) The board [commission] shall determine the size, |
|
design, and content of the pocket card. |
|
(c) The pocket card must: |
|
(1) state the name of the registrant; |
|
(2) contain a color photograph and the signature of |
|
the registrant; [and] |
|
(3) state the date the card was issued and the card's |
|
expiration date; and |
|
(4) state each endorsement held by the registrant and |
|
the date the endorsement expires. |
|
SECTION 4.73. Section 1702.234, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.234. REGISTRATION AND ENDORSEMENT TRANSFER. A |
|
registrant may transfer the registrant's registration and |
|
endorsements from one employer to another employer if, not later |
|
than the 14th day after the date the registrant begins the new |
|
employment, the new employer notifies the board [commission] of the |
|
transfer of employment on a form prescribed by the board |
|
[commission] accompanied by payment of the employee information |
|
update fee. |
|
SECTION 4.74. Section 1702.235, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.235. PREEMPLOYMENT CHECK FOR NONCOMMISSIONED |
|
SECURITY OFFICERS. A person may not hire a noncommissioned |
|
security officer unless the person conducts a preemployment check |
|
as required by board [commission] rule. |
|
SECTION 4.75. Section 1702.236, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.236. EXAMINATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR |
|
ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL DEVICE INSTALLERS. (a) The board |
|
[commission] shall require an individual who applies for an |
|
endorsement [registration] as an electronic access control device |
|
installer to pass an examination given by the board [commission] or |
|
a person approved by the board [commission]. The examination must |
|
cover material related to access control. |
|
(b) [(c)] On and after September 1, 2005, the board |
|
[commission] by rule may allow an electronic access control device |
|
installer to obtain or renew an endorsement [a certificate of
|
|
registration] by fulfilling the requirements of a board-approved |
|
[commission-approved], industry-based educational training |
|
program. |
|
SECTION 4.76. Sections 1702.239(a), (b), and (d), |
|
Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The board [commission] may require that an individual |
|
employed as an alarm systems installer or security salesperson hold |
|
a certification by a board-approved [commission-approved] training |
|
program to renew an endorsement [an initial registration]. The |
|
board [commission] may approve only nationally recognized training |
|
programs that consist of at least 16 hours of classroom study in the |
|
areas of work allowed by the endorsement [registration]. To be |
|
approved, a training program must offer at least two certification |
|
programs each year, sufficient to complete the requirements of this |
|
subsection, within 100 miles of each county in the state that has a |
|
population of more than 500,000. |
|
(b) The board [commission] may require an individual who has |
|
completed a training program under Subsection (a) to pass an |
|
examination given by the board [commission] or by a person approved |
|
by the board [commission]. The board [commission] may approve |
|
examinations in conjunction with training programs approved under |
|
Subsection (a). The individual's performance on the examination |
|
must demonstrate the individual's qualifications to perform the |
|
duties allowed by the individual's endorsement [registration]. |
|
(d) If the board [commission] requires certification or |
|
examination under this section, the board [commission] shall |
|
implement rules to require that to renew an endorsement [a
|
|
registration], an individual who is employed as an alarm systems |
|
installer or a security salesperson and who has already once |
|
renewed the endorsement [registration] must obtain continuing |
|
education credits related to the line of work for which the |
|
individual is licensed. If the board [commission] requires the |
|
continuing education, the chief administrator [director] must |
|
approve classes offered by nationally recognized organizations, |
|
and participants in the classes must qualify according to board |
|
[commission] rules. |
|
SECTION 4.77. Section 1702.240(b), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) An employee of a license holder who is employed |
|
exclusively as an undercover agent is not required to register with |
|
the board [commission]. |
|
SECTION 4.78. Subchapter J, Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, |
|
is amended by adding Section 1702.241 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.241. JURISPRUDENCE EXAMINATION. (a) The board |
|
may develop and administer at least twice each calendar year a |
|
jurisprudence examination to determine the knowledge that an |
|
applicant for an endorsement has of this chapter, board rules, and |
|
any other applicable laws of this state affecting the applicant's |
|
activities regulated under this chapter. |
|
(b) Before the board may administer a jurisprudence |
|
examination under this section, the board shall adopt rules to |
|
implement this section, including rules related to the development |
|
and administration of the examination, examination fees, |
|
guidelines for reexamination, grading the examination, and |
|
providing notice of examination results. The board may design |
|
different examinations for different types of endorsements. |
|
SECTION 4.79. Sections 1702.282(a), (c), and (e), |
|
Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The board shall conduct a criminal history check, |
|
including a check of any criminal history record information |
|
maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in the manner |
|
provided by Subchapter F, Chapter 411, Government Code, on each |
|
applicant for a license, registration, security officer |
|
commission, letter of approval, permit, endorsement, or |
|
certification. An applicant is not eligible for a license, |
|
registration, commission, letter of approval, permit, endorsement, |
|
or certification if the check reveals that the applicant has |
|
committed an act that constitutes grounds for the denial of the |
|
license, registration, commission, letter of approval, permit, |
|
endorsement, or certification. Except as provided by Subsection |
|
(d), each applicant shall include in the application two complete |
|
sets of fingerprints on forms prescribed by the board accompanied |
|
by the fee set by the board. |
|
(c) A license, registration, security officer commission, |
|
letter of approval, permit, endorsement, or certification issued by |
|
the board is conditional on the board's receipt of criminal history |
|
record information. |
|
(e) On receipt of notice that a check of the applicant's |
|
criminal record has uncovered an unresolved and potentially |
|
disqualifying arrest that occurred before the 10th anniversary of |
|
the date the application is filed, the applicant must provide a |
|
letter of reference from the county sheriff, prosecuting attorney, |
|
or judge of the county in which the applicant was arrested stating |
|
that a record of a disposition related to the arrest does not exist, |
|
and to the best of the county sheriff's, prosecuting attorney's, or |
|
judge's knowledge the applicant is free of any disqualifying |
|
convictions. If the applicant fails to provide either the letter of |
|
reference or documentary proof of the final disposition of the |
|
arrest, the application is considered incomplete and the applicant |
|
may not be issued a license, commission, endorsement, or |
|
certificate of registration under this chapter. |
|
SECTION 4.80. Section 1702.283, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.283. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. A person who has been |
|
convicted of cruelty to animals under Section 42.09 or 42.092, |
|
Penal Code: |
|
(1) is ineligible for a license as a guard dog company |
|
or for endorsement [registration] as a dog trainer; and |
|
(2) may not be employed to work with dogs as a security |
|
officer by a security services contractor or security department of |
|
a private business that uses dogs to protect individuals or |
|
property or to conduct investigations. |
|
SECTION 4.81. Section 1702.285, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.285. FALSE REPRESENTATION. A person may not |
|
represent falsely that the person: |
|
(1) is employed by a license holder; or |
|
(2) is licensed, registered, endorsed, or |
|
commissioned under this chapter. |
|
SECTION 4.82. Sections 1702.301(c), (d), (e), (f), (g), and |
|
(h), Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) A personal protection officer endorsement |
|
[authorization] expires on the expiration date of the security |
|
officer commission under which the individual's endorsement |
|
[authorization] is issued. |
|
(d) Endorsement [Registration] as a private investigator, |
|
manager, branch office manager, alarm systems installer, security |
|
consultant, security salesperson, alarm systems monitor, or dog |
|
trainer expires on the second anniversary of the date of |
|
endorsement [registration]. |
|
(e) Endorsement [Registration] as an owner, officer, |
|
partner, or shareholder of a license holder expires on the second |
|
anniversary of the date of endorsement [registration]. |
|
(f) Endorsement [Registration] as a noncommissioned |
|
security officer expires on the second anniversary of the date of |
|
endorsement [registration]. |
|
(g) A letter of authority, or a school approval or school |
|
instructor approval letter issued by the board [commission], |
|
expires on the first anniversary of the date of issuance. |
|
(h) A license, [or] registration, or endorsement issued |
|
under this chapter, other than one specified in this section, |
|
expires on the date specified by this chapter or by board |
|
[commission] rule. |
|
SECTION 4.83. Section 1702.302, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.302. LICENSE RENEWAL. (a) A person who is |
|
otherwise eligible to renew a license may renew an unexpired |
|
license by paying the required renewal fee to the board |
|
[commission] before the expiration date of the license. A person |
|
whose license has expired may not engage in activities that require |
|
a license until the license has been renewed. |
|
(b) A person whose license has been expired for 90 days or |
|
less may renew the license by paying to the board [commission] a |
|
renewal fee that is equal to 1-1/2 times the normally required |
|
renewal fee. |
|
(c) A person whose license has been expired for longer than |
|
90 days but less than one year may renew the license by paying to the |
|
board [commission] a renewal fee that is equal to two times the |
|
normally required renewal fee. |
|
(d) A person whose license has been expired for one year or |
|
more may not renew the license. The person may obtain a new license |
|
by complying with the requirements and procedures, including the |
|
examination requirements, for obtaining an original license. |
|
(e) Not later than the 30th day before the date a person's |
|
license is scheduled to expire, the board [commission] shall send |
|
written notice of the impending expiration to the person at the |
|
person's last known address according to the board's [commission's] |
|
records. |
|
SECTION 4.84. Section 1702.303, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.303. RENEWAL OF EXPIRED LICENSE BY OUT-OF-STATE |
|
PRACTITIONER. A person who was licensed in this state, moved to |
|
another state, and is currently licensed and has been in practice in |
|
the other state for the two years preceding the date the person |
|
applies for renewal may obtain a new license without reexamination. |
|
The person must pay to the board [commission] a fee that is equal to |
|
two times the normally required renewal fee for the license. |
|
SECTION 4.85. Section 1702.304, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.304. STAGGERED RENEWAL; PRORATION OF LICENSE FEE. |
|
The board [commission] by rule may adopt a system under which |
|
licenses expire on various dates during the year. For the year in |
|
which the expiration date of a license is changed, the board |
|
[commission] shall prorate license fees on a monthly basis so that |
|
each license holder pays only that portion of the license fee that |
|
is allocable to the number of months during which the license is |
|
valid. On renewal of the license on the new expiration date, the |
|
total license renewal fee is payable. |
|
SECTION 4.86. Section 1702.307, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.307. REGISTRATION RENEWAL. (a) An individual |
|
who is otherwise eligible to renew a registration may renew an |
|
unexpired registration by paying the required renewal fee to the |
|
board [commission] before the expiration date of the registration. |
|
An individual whose registration has expired may not engage in |
|
activities that require a registration until the registration has |
|
been renewed. |
|
(b) An individual whose registration has been expired for 90 |
|
days or less may renew the registration by paying to the board |
|
[commission] a renewal fee that is equal to 1-1/2 times the normally |
|
required renewal fee. |
|
(c) An individual whose registration has been expired for |
|
more than 90 days but less than one year may renew the registration |
|
by paying to the board [commission] a renewal fee that is equal to |
|
two times the normally required renewal fee. |
|
(d) An individual whose registration has been expired for |
|
one year or more may not renew the registration. The individual may |
|
obtain a new registration by complying with the requirements and |
|
procedures, including any examination required by the board |
|
[commission], for obtaining an original registration. |
|
(e) An individual who was registered in this state, moved to |
|
another state, and is currently registered and has been in practice |
|
in the other state for the two years preceding the date of |
|
application may obtain a new registration without reexamination. |
|
The individual must pay to the board [commission] a fee that is |
|
equal to two times the normally required renewal fee for the |
|
registration. |
|
(f) Not later than the 30th day before the expiration date |
|
of an individual's registration, the board [commission] shall send |
|
written notice of the impending expiration to the individual at the |
|
individual's last known address according to board [commission] |
|
records. |
|
SECTION 4.87. Sections 1702.308(b) and (c), Occupations |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The board [commission] shall recognize, prepare, or |
|
administer continuing education programs for license holders, |
|
commissioned security officers, and endorsement holders |
|
[registrants]. The board [commission] shall set the minimum number |
|
of hours that must be completed and the types of programs that may |
|
be offered. |
|
(c) A license holder, commissioned security officer, or |
|
endorsement holder [registrant] must participate in the programs to |
|
the extent required by the board [commission] to keep the person's |
|
license, commission, or endorsement [registration]. A license |
|
holder, commissioned security officer, or endorsement holder |
|
[registrant] shall submit evidence of compliance with the board's |
|
[commission's] continuing education requirements in a manner |
|
prescribed by the board [commission]. |
|
SECTION 4.88. Section 1702.309(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The board [commission] by rule shall develop a |
|
continuing education course required for renewal of a security |
|
officer commission. Only a board-approved [commission-approved] |
|
instructor may administer the continuing education course. The |
|
course must include at least six hours of instruction determined by |
|
the chief administrator [director] of the board [commission]. |
|
SECTION 4.89. Sections 1702.321(b), (c), and (e), |
|
Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The provisions of this chapter relating to security |
|
officer commissions apply to a person employed by a political |
|
subdivision whose duties include serving as a security guard, |
|
security watchman, or security patrolman on property owned or |
|
operated by the political subdivision if the governing body of the |
|
political subdivision files a written request with the board |
|
[commission] for the board [commission] to issue a commission to |
|
the political subdivision's employees with those duties. |
|
(c) The board [commission] may not charge a fee for issuing |
|
a commission to an officer under Subsection (b). The board |
|
[commission] shall issue to the officer a pocket card designating |
|
the political subdivision that employs the officer. |
|
(e) The board [commission] may approve a security officer |
|
training program conducted by the political subdivision in |
|
accordance with Sections 1702.1675 and 1702.168. |
|
SECTION 4.90. Sections 1702.361(a) and (b), Occupations |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Subject to the board's final order under the hearing |
|
provisions of this subchapter, the department, for conduct |
|
described by Subsection (b), may: |
|
(1) deny an application or revoke, suspend, or refuse |
|
to renew a license, registration, endorsement, or security officer |
|
commission; |
|
(2) reprimand a license holder, registrant, or |
|
commissioned security officer; or |
|
(3) place on probation a person whose license, |
|
registration, endorsement, or security officer commission has been |
|
suspended. |
|
(b) The department shall take disciplinary action described |
|
by Subsection (a) on proof: |
|
(1) that the applicant, license holder, registrant, |
|
endorsement holder, or commissioned security officer has: |
|
(A) violated this chapter or a rule adopted under |
|
this chapter; |
|
(B) become ineligible for licensure, [or] |
|
registration, or endorsement under Section 1702.113, or a |
|
commission under Section 1702.163, if applicable, other than an |
|
action for which the department has taken summary action under |
|
Section 1702.364; |
|
(C) engaged in fraud, deceit, or |
|
misrepresentation; |
|
(D) made a material misstatement in an |
|
application for or renewal of a license, registration, endorsement, |
|
or commission; [or] |
|
(E) failed to pay in full an administrative |
|
penalty assessed under Subchapter Q, for which the board has issued |
|
a final order; or |
|
(F) performed any service for which an |
|
endorsement is required under this chapter and either: |
|
(i) was not employed with a company |
|
licensed under this chapter at the time the service was performed; |
|
or |
|
(ii) performed the service for a company |
|
licensed under this chapter that was not listed on the individual's |
|
registration without informing the board of the individual's |
|
employment with the company within a reasonable period; or |
|
(2) that the license holder of a registrant or |
|
commissioned security officer has submitted to the department |
|
sufficient evidence that the registrant or commissioned security |
|
officer: |
|
(A) engaged in fraud or deceit while employed by |
|
the license holder; or |
|
(B) committed theft while performing work as a |
|
registrant or commissioned security officer. |
|
SECTION 4.91. Section 1702.362, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.362. FAILURE TO FILE REQUIRED NOTICE. The board |
|
[commission] may suspend or revoke a license if the license holder |
|
fails to notify the board [commission] as required by Section |
|
1702.121 that a manager has ceased to be the manager of the license |
|
holder. |
|
SECTION 4.92. Section 1702.363, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.363. APPLICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE |
|
ACT. Except as provided by Sections 1702.3615(b) and 1702.364, a |
|
person regulated under this chapter against whom the board |
|
[commission] has taken action is entitled to a hearing before the |
|
State Office of Administrative Hearings. A proceeding under this |
|
section is a contested case that is governed by Chapter 2001, |
|
Government Code. |
|
SECTION 4.93. Sections 1702.364(a), (d), (f), and (h), |
|
Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) On receiving written notice from a law enforcement |
|
agency that a person has been charged with or convicted of an |
|
offense that would make the person ineligible for a license, |
|
certificate of registration, endorsement, or security officer |
|
commission under Section 1702.113 or 1702.163, the department |
|
shall: |
|
(1) summarily deny the person's application for a |
|
license, registration, endorsement, or security officer |
|
commission; |
|
(2) in the event of pending charges, summarily suspend |
|
the person's license, certificate of registration, endorsement, or |
|
security officer commission; or |
|
(3) in the event of a conviction, summarily revoke the |
|
person's license, certificate of registration, endorsement, or |
|
security officer commission. |
|
(d) At a preliminary hearing, the person must show cause |
|
why: |
|
(1) the application should not have been denied; |
|
(2) the registration, license, endorsement, or |
|
security officer commission should not have been suspended; or |
|
(3) the registration, license, endorsement, or |
|
commission should not have been revoked. |
|
(f) The dismissal of a complaint, information, or |
|
indictment or an acquittal releases the person from automatic |
|
grounds for a summary denial of an application or summary |
|
suspension of a registration, endorsement, or security officer |
|
commission under this section. A conviction for the offense giving |
|
rise to a summary suspension is automatic grounds for immediate, |
|
summary revocation. |
|
(h) The administrative law judge shall make findings of fact |
|
and conclusions of law regarding the person's eligibility for a |
|
license, registration, or endorsement under this section and |
|
promptly issue to the board a proposal for a decision. |
|
SECTION 4.94. Section 1702.365, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.365. ABDUCTION OF CHILD. The board [commission] |
|
shall revoke a person's license, registration, endorsement, or |
|
security officer commission or deny a person's application for, or |
|
renewal of, a license, registration, endorsement, or security |
|
officer commission on proof that the person or an agent of the |
|
person has, after the date of application for a license, |
|
registration, endorsement, or security officer commission, |
|
abducted or attempted to abduct by force or the threat of force or |
|
by misrepresentation, stealth, or unlawful entry a child who at the |
|
time of the abduction or attempt is under the care and control of a |
|
person who: |
|
(1) has custody or physical possession of the child |
|
under a court order; or |
|
(2) is exercising the care and control with the |
|
consent of a person who has custody or physical possession of the |
|
child under a court order. |
|
SECTION 4.95. Sections 1702.367(a), (c), (d), and (e), |
|
Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) For an investigation conducted under this chapter, the |
|
board [commission] may issue a subpoena to compel the attendance of |
|
a witness or the production of a pertinent record or document. The |
|
hearings officer may administer oaths and require testimony or |
|
evidence to be given under oath. |
|
(c) A person required to testify or to produce a record or |
|
document on any matter properly under inquiry by the board |
|
[commission] who refuses to testify or to produce the record or |
|
document on the ground that the testimony or the production of the |
|
record or document would incriminate or tend to incriminate the |
|
person is nonetheless required to testify or to produce the record |
|
or document. A person who is required to testify or to produce a |
|
record or document under this subsection is not subject to |
|
indictment or prosecution for a transaction, matter, or thing |
|
concerning which the person truthfully testifies or produces |
|
evidence. |
|
(d) If a witness refuses to obey a subpoena or to give |
|
evidence relevant to proper inquiry by the board [commission], the |
|
board [commission] may petition a district court of the county in |
|
which the hearing is held to compel the witness to obey the subpoena |
|
or to give the evidence. The court shall immediately issue process |
|
to the witness and shall hold a hearing on the petition as soon as |
|
possible. |
|
(e) An investigator employed by the board [commission] may |
|
take statements under oath in an investigation of a matter covered |
|
by this chapter. |
|
SECTION 4.96. Section 1702.368, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.368. NOTIFICATION OF CONVICTION FOR CERTAIN |
|
OFFENSES. The department [Texas Department of Public Safety] shall |
|
notify the board [commission] and the police department of the |
|
municipality and the sheriff's department of the county in which a |
|
person licensed, registered, or commissioned under this chapter |
|
resides of the conviction of the person for a Class B misdemeanor or |
|
equivalent offense or a greater offense. |
|
SECTION 4.97. Subchapter O, Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, |
|
is amended by adding Section 1702.372 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1702.372. RECUSAL OF BOARD MEMBER. (a) A board member |
|
who participated in the investigation of a complaint or in informal |
|
settlement negotiations regarding the complaint: |
|
(1) may not vote on the matter at a board meeting |
|
related to the complaint; and |
|
(2) shall state at the meeting the reason for which the |
|
member is prohibited from voting on the matter. |
|
(b) A statement under Subsection (a)(2) shall be entered |
|
into the minutes of the meeting. |
|
SECTION 4.98. Section 1702.381(b), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) A person who contracts with or employs a person who is |
|
required to hold a license, [certificate of] registration, |
|
endorsement, or security officer commission under this chapter |
|
knowing that the person does not hold the required license, |
|
registration, endorsement [certificate], or commission or who |
|
otherwise, at the time of contract or employment, is in violation of |
|
this chapter may be assessed a civil penalty to be paid to the state |
|
in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for each violation. |
|
SECTION 4.99. Section 1702.386(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A person commits an offense if the person contracts with |
|
or employs a person who is required to hold a license, registration, |
|
endorsement [certificate], or commission under this chapter |
|
knowing that the person does not hold the required license, |
|
registration, endorsement [certificate], or commission or who |
|
otherwise, at the time of contract or employment, is in violation of |
|
this chapter. |
|
SECTION 4.100. Section 1702.3863(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A person commits an offense if the person contracts with |
|
or is employed by a bail bond surety as defined by Chapter 1704 to |
|
secure the appearance of a person who has violated Section 38.10, |
|
Penal Code, unless the person is: |
|
(1) a peace officer; |
|
(2) an individual endorsed or licensed as a private |
|
investigator or the manager of a licensed investigations company; |
|
or |
|
(3) a commissioned security officer employed by a |
|
licensed guard company. |
|
SECTION 4.101. Section 1702.387(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A person commits an offense if the person fails to |
|
surrender or immediately return to the board [commission] the |
|
person's registration, commission, pocket card, or other |
|
identification issued to the person by the board [commission] on |
|
notification of a summary suspension or summary denial under |
|
Section 1702.364. |
|
SECTION 4.102. Section 1702.388(b), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor, |
|
except that the offense is a felony of the third degree if the |
|
person has previously been convicted under this chapter of failing |
|
to hold a license, registration, endorsement, certificate, or |
|
commission that the person is required to hold under this chapter. |
|
SECTION 4.103. Section 1702.402, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) Each day a violation continues or occurs is a separate |
|
violation for purposes of imposing a penalty. The amount of each |
|
separate violation may not exceed $5,000 [$500]. |
|
(c) The board by rule shall develop a standardized penalty |
|
schedule based on the criteria listed in Subsection (b). |
|
SECTION 4.104. Section 1702.406(b), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The notice of the board's order given to the person must |
|
include a statement of the right of the person to judicial review of |
|
the order. Judicial review is under the substantial evidence rule |
|
as provided by Subchapter G, Chapter 2001, Government Code. |
|
SECTION 4.105. The following provisions of the Occupations |
|
Code are repealed: |
|
(1) Section 1702.002(4); |
|
(2) Section 1702.003; |
|
(3) Section 1702.045; |
|
(4) Section 1702.046; |
|
(5) Section 1702.047; |
|
(6) Section 1702.065; |
|
(7) Section 1702.069; |
|
(8) Section 1702.113(e); |
|
(9) Section 1702.364(j); and |
|
(10) Subchapter K. |
|
SECTION 4.106. (a) Not later than January 1, 2010, the |
|
Texas Private Security Board and the Department of Public Safety |
|
shall adopt the rules required by or under Section 1702.062, |
|
Occupations Code, as amended by this article. The fee schedule in |
|
effect under Section 1702.062, Occupations Code, before the |
|
effective date of this article is continued in effect until new fees |
|
are adopted under Section 1702.062, Occupations Code, as amended by |
|
this article. |
|
(b) The requirement to pass a jurisprudence examination |
|
under Section 1702.241, Occupations Code, as added by this article, |
|
applies only to an individual who applies for a registration or |
|
endorsement under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, on or after the |
|
date specified by the Texas Private Security Board in the event the |
|
board begins requiring applicants to pass a jurisprudence |
|
examination, but not earlier than September 1, 2010. |
|
(c) The changes in law made by this article related to the |
|
filing, investigation, or resolution of a complaint under Chapter |
|
1702, Occupations Code, as amended by this article, apply only to a |
|
complaint filed with the Texas Private Security Board on or after |
|
the effective date of this article. A complaint filed before the |
|
effective date of this article is governed by the law as it existed |
|
immediately before that date, and the former law is continued in |
|
effect for that purpose. |
|
(d) The changes in law made by this article governing the |
|
authority of the Texas Private Security Board and the Department of |
|
Public Safety to issue, renew, or revoke a license, registration, |
|
endorsement, or commission under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, |
|
apply only to an application for an original or renewal license, |
|
registration, endorsement, or commission filed with the Texas |
|
Private Security Board under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, as |
|
amended by this article, on or after the effective date of this |
|
article. An application filed before the effective date of this |
|
article is governed by the law in effect at the time the application |
|
was filed, and the former law is continued in effect for that |
|
purpose. |
|
(e) The change in law made by this article with respect to |
|
conduct that is grounds for imposition of a disciplinary sanction |
|
applies only to conduct that occurs on or after the effective date |
|
of this article. Conduct that occurs before the effective date of |
|
this article is governed by the law in effect on the date the |
|
conduct occurred, and the former law is continued in effect for that |
|
purpose. |
|
(f) Section 1702.372, Occupations Code, as added by this |
|
article, applies only to a hearing conducted on or after the |
|
effective date of this article, regardless of the date on which the |
|
complaint was filed. A complaint on which a hearing is conducted |
|
before the effective date of this article is governed by the law in |
|
effect on the date the hearing was conducted, and the former law is |
|
continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
(g) The holder of a Class D license under Chapter 1702, |
|
Occupations Code, as amended by this article, shall be considered |
|
to hold a Class B license on the effective date of this article. On |
|
the expiration of the Class D license, the license holder may renew |
|
the license as a Class B license. |
|
SECTION 4.107. This article takes effect September 1, 2009. |
|
ARTICLE 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
SECTION 5.01. Section 411.002, Government Code, is amended |
|
by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsections (d) and (e) to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(c) The Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas is |
|
subject to Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in |
|
existence as provided by that chapter, the department is abolished |
|
and Subsections (a) and (b) expire September 1, 2015 [2009]. |
|
(d) Not later than December 1, 2010, the Sunset Advisory |
|
Commission shall review and prepare a written report for submission |
|
to the legislature on the department's implementation of: |
|
(1) the recommendations in the 2008 audit of the |
|
department's information technology system; and |
|
(2) a civilian business model for the operation of the |
|
driver's license division that focuses on improving customer |
|
service by: |
|
(A) using best practices in call center |
|
technology and monitoring customer service calls; |
|
(B) expanding operating hours at driver's |
|
license offices; and |
|
(C) decreasing the time the department takes to |
|
send a replacement driver's license. |
|
(e) The Sunset Advisory Commission shall submit the report |
|
required by Subsection (d) not later than February 15, 2011. This |
|
subsection and Subsection (d) expire August 31, 2011. |
|
SECTION 5.02. Section 411.0035, Government Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 411.0035. MEMBER AND GENERAL COUNSEL RESTRICTION. (a) |
|
In this section, "Texas trade association" means a cooperative and |
|
voluntarily joined statewide association of business or |
|
professional competitors in this state designed to assist its |
|
members and its industry or profession in dealing with mutual |
|
business or professional problems and in promoting their common |
|
interest. |
|
(b) A person may not be [serve as] a member of the commission |
|
and may not be a department employee employed in a "bona fide |
|
executive, administrative, or professional capacity," as that |
|
phrase is used for purposes of establishing an exemption to the |
|
overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 |
|
(29 U.S.C. Section 201 et seq.), if: |
|
(1) the person is an officer, employee, or paid |
|
consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of law |
|
enforcement or private security; or |
|
(2) the person's spouse is an officer, manager, or paid |
|
consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of law |
|
enforcement or private security. |
|
(c) A person may not be a member of the commission or act as |
|
the general counsel to the commission if the person is required to |
|
register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305 because of the person's |
|
activities for compensation on behalf of a profession related to |
|
the operation of the commission. |
|
SECTION 5.03. Subchapter A, Chapter 411, Government Code, |
|
is amended by adding Section 411.0042 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 411.0042. DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES. The |
|
commission shall develop and implement policies that clearly |
|
separate the policymaking responsibilities of the commission and |
|
the management responsibilities of the director and the staff of |
|
the department. |
|
SECTION 5.04. Subchapter A, Chapter 411, Government Code, |
|
is amended by adding Section 411.0043 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 411.0043. TECHNOLOGY POLICY. The commission shall |
|
implement a policy requiring the department to use appropriate |
|
technological solutions to improve the department's ability to |
|
perform its functions. The policy must ensure that the public is |
|
able to interact with the department on the Internet. |
|
SECTION 5.05. Subchapter A, Chapter 411, Government Code, |
|
is amended by adding Section 411.0044 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 411.0044. NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING AND ALTERNATIVE |
|
DISPUTE RESOLUTION. (a) The commission shall develop and |
|
implement a policy to encourage the use of: |
|
(1) negotiated rulemaking procedures under Chapter |
|
2008 for the adoption of department rules; and |
|
(2) appropriate alternative dispute resolution |
|
procedures under Chapter 2009 to assist in the resolution of |
|
internal and external disputes under the department's |
|
jurisdiction. |
|
(b) The department's procedures relating to alternative |
|
dispute resolution must conform, to the extent possible, to any |
|
model guidelines issued by the State Office of Administrative |
|
Hearings for the use of alternative dispute resolution by state |
|
agencies. |
|
(c) The commission shall designate a trained person to: |
|
(1) coordinate the implementation of the policy |
|
adopted under Subsection (a); |
|
(2) serve as a resource for any training needed to |
|
implement the procedures for negotiated rulemaking or alternative |
|
dispute resolution; and |
|
(3) collect data concerning the effectiveness of those |
|
procedures, as implemented by the department. |
|
SECTION 5.06. Section 411.005, Government Code, is amended |
|
by amending Subsections (a) and (c) and adding Subsection (d) to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) The commission shall appoint a citizen of the United |
|
States [this state] as public safety director. The director serves |
|
until removed by the commission. |
|
(c) The commission shall select the director, and the |
|
director shall select an assistant director, on the basis of the |
|
person's training, experience, and qualifications for the |
|
position. The director and each [an] assistant director must, |
|
during the six-year period before appointment to the department as |
|
the director or as an assistant director, have been serving for a |
|
period of not less than five consecutive years as: |
|
(1) a full-time peace officer commissioned by a state, |
|
federal, local, or tribal law enforcement agency; and |
|
(2) the head of or a senior manager in a state, |
|
federal, local, or tribal law enforcement agency [five years'
|
|
experience, preferably in police or public administration]. |
|
(d) The director and an assistant director are entitled to |
|
annual salaries as provided by the legislature. |
|
SECTION 5.07. Section 411.015(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) [The number of divisions may not exceed the number of
|
|
divisions existing on August 22, 1957.] The division relating to |
|
the Texas Rangers may not be abolished. |
|
SECTION 5.08. Sections 411.0195(a), (b), and (c), |
|
Government Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The department shall maintain a system to promptly and |
|
efficiently act on [prepare information of public interest
|
|
describing the functions of the department and the department's
|
|
procedures by which] complaints [are] filed with [and resolved by] |
|
the department. The department shall maintain [make the] |
|
information about parties to the complaint, the subject matter of |
|
the complaint, a summary of the results of the review or |
|
investigation of the complaint, and its disposition [available to
|
|
the public and appropriate state agencies]. |
|
(b) The department shall make information available |
|
describing its procedures for complaint investigation and |
|
resolution [director by rule shall establish methods by which
|
|
consumers and service recipients are notified of the name, mailing
|
|
address, and telephone number of the department for the purpose of
|
|
directing complaints to the department]. |
|
(c) The department shall periodically notify the complaint |
|
parties of the status of the complaint until final disposition |
|
[maintain a file on each written complaint filed with the
|
|
department. The file must include:
|
|
[(1) the name of the person who filed the complaint;
|
|
[(2)
the date the complaint is received by the
|
|
department;
|
|
[(3) the subject matter of the complaint;
|
|
[(4)
the name of each person contacted in relation to
|
|
the complaint;
|
|
[(5)
a summary of the results of the review or
|
|
investigation of the complaint; and
|
|
[(6)
an explanation of the reason the file was closed,
|
|
if the agency closed the file without taking action other than to
|
|
investigate the complaint]. |
|
SECTION 5.09. Section 411.188, Government Code, is amended |
|
by adding Subsection (j) to read as follows: |
|
(j) The department may offer online, or allow a qualified |
|
handgun instructor to offer online, the continuing education |
|
instruction course and written section of the proficiency |
|
examination required to renew a license. |
|
SECTION 5.10. Section 411.190, Government Code, is amended |
|
by adding Subsection (d-1) to read as follows: |
|
(d-1) The department shall ensure that an applicant may |
|
renew certification under Subsection (d) from any county in this |
|
state by using an online format to complete the required retraining |
|
courses if: |
|
(1) the applicant is renewing certification for the |
|
first time; or |
|
(2) the applicant completed the required retraining |
|
courses in person the previous time the applicant renewed the |
|
certificate. |
|
SECTION 5.11. The heading to Section 411.244, Government |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 411.244. OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL [INTERNAL
|
|
AFFAIRS]. |
|
SECTION 5.12. Sections 411.244(a), (b), (d), (e), and (f), |
|
Government Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The commission [director] shall establish the office of |
|
inspector general, which is responsible for: |
|
(1) acting to prevent and detect criminal conduct |
|
within the department; and |
|
(2) independently and objectively investigating: |
|
(A) criminal activity occurring in all divisions |
|
of the department; |
|
(B) allegations of wrongdoing by department |
|
employees; |
|
(C) crimes committed on department property; and |
|
(D) serious breaches of department policy |
|
[internal affairs]. |
|
(b) The office of inspector general [internal affairs] has |
|
original departmental jurisdiction over all investigations |
|
occurring on department property or involving department |
|
employees. The office shall coordinate, but need not conduct, all |
|
investigations under this section. |
|
(d) The commission has direct oversight over the office of |
|
inspector general, including decisions regarding budget and |
|
staffing. The commission [director] shall appoint the inspector |
|
general [head of the office of internal affairs]. The inspector |
|
general [head of the office of internal affairs] serves until |
|
removed by the commission [director]. The commission shall |
|
establish policies to ensure that the commission continues to |
|
oversee the office of inspector general as required by this |
|
subsection and to ensure that the office of inspector general |
|
retains and exercises its original jurisdiction under Subsection |
|
(b). |
|
(e) The inspector general [head of the office of internal
|
|
affairs] shall report directly to the commission [director] |
|
regarding performance of and activities related to investigations, |
|
report to the director for administrative purposes, and provide the |
|
director with information regarding investigations as appropriate. |
|
(f) The inspector general [head of the office of internal
|
|
affairs] shall present at each regularly scheduled commission |
|
meeting and at other appropriate times: |
|
(1) reports of investigations; and |
|
(2) a summary of information relating to |
|
investigations conducted under this section that includes analysis |
|
of the number, type, and outcome of investigations, trends in the |
|
investigations, and recommendations to avoid future complaints. |
|
SECTION 5.13. Sections 411.0195(d) and (e), Government |
|
Code, are repealed. |
|
SECTION 5.14. The changes in law made by this article by the |
|
amendment of Section 411.0035, Government Code, apply only to a |
|
person first appointed to the Public Safety Commission or employed |
|
by the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas on or after |
|
the effective date of this Act. A person first appointed or |
|
employed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the |
|
law in effect immediately before that date, and the former law is |
|
continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 5.15. The changes in law made by this article by the |
|
amendment of Section 411.0195, Government Code, apply only to a |
|
complaint filed on or after the effective date of this Act. A |
|
complaint filed before the effective date of this Act is governed by |
|
the law in effect when the complaint was filed, and the former law |
|
is continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 5.16. The Department of Public Safety of the State |
|
of Texas shall take action as necessary to ensure that an applicant |
|
may renew a qualified handgun instructor certification from any |
|
county in this state, as required by Section 411.190(d-1), |
|
Government Code, as added by this Act, not later than March 1, 2010. |
|
SECTION 5.17. The Department of Public Safety shall develop |
|
customer service training requirements that at a minimum must be |
|
completed by the staff of the driver license division that interact |
|
with the public. Each new employee of the division that is required |
|
to complete this training, as a condition of employment, must do so |
|
by the end of the third month of employment. Thereafter, each |
|
employee that the training applies to shall participate annually in |
|
this training. |
|
SECTION 5.18. The Department of Public Safety shall develop |
|
cultural diversity training requirements to be completed by all |
|
staff of the drivers license division. Each new employee of the |
|
division, as a condition of employment, must complete the training |
|
by the end of the third month of employment. Thereafter, each |
|
employee in the division shall participate annually in the |
|
diversity training. |
|
SECTION 5.19. The Department of Public Safety shall develop |
|
training requirements regarding proof of citizenship documents. At |
|
a minimum, this training must be completed by all staff in the |
|
drivers license division. Each new employee of this division, as a |
|
condition of employment, must complete the training by the end of |
|
the third month of employment. Thereafter, each employee of the |
|
division shall participate annually in this training. |
|
ARTICLE 6. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS |
|
SECTION 6.01. Section 411.00755(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The [Notwithstanding Chapter 552, the] personnel |
|
records of a commissioned officer of the department may not be |
|
disclosed or otherwise made available to the public, except the |
|
department shall release in accordance with Chapter 552: |
|
(1) any letter, memorandum, or document relating to: |
|
(A) a commendation, congratulation, or honor |
|
bestowed on the officer for an action, duty, or activity that |
|
relates to the officer's official duties; and |
|
(B) misconduct by the officer, if the letter, |
|
memorandum, or document resulted in disciplinary action; |
|
(2) the state application for employment submitted by |
|
the officer, but not including any attachments to the application; |
|
(3) any reference letter submitted by the officer; |
|
(4) any letter of recommendation for the officer; |
|
(5) any employment contract with the officer; |
|
(6) any periodic evaluation of the officer by a |
|
supervisor; |
|
(7) any document recording a promotion or demotion of |
|
the officer; |
|
(8) any request for leave by the officer; |
|
(9) any request by the officer for transfers of shift |
|
or duty assignments; |
|
(10) any documents presented to the commission in |
|
connection with a public hearing under Section 411.007(f); |
|
(11) the officer's: |
|
(A) name; |
|
(B) age; |
|
(C) dates of employment; |
|
(D) positions held; and |
|
(E) gross salary; and |
|
(12) information about the location of the officer's |
|
department duty assignments. |
|
SECTION 6.02. Section 411.192, Government Code, is amended |
|
by amending Subsections (a) and (d) and adding Subsection (e) to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) The department shall disclose to a criminal justice |
|
agency information contained in its files and records regarding |
|
whether a named individual or any individual named in a specified |
|
list is licensed under this subchapter. Information on an |
|
individual subject to disclosure under this section includes the |
|
individual's name, date of birth, gender, race, [and] zip code, |
|
telephone number, e-mail address, and Internet website address. |
|
Except as otherwise provided by this section and by Section |
|
411.193, all other records maintained under this subchapter are |
|
confidential and are not subject to mandatory disclosure under the |
|
open records law, Chapter 552. |
|
(d) Except as provided by Subsection (e), [This section
|
|
does not prohibit] the department shall make [from making] public |
|
and distribute [distributing] to the public at no cost lists of |
|
individuals who are certified as qualified handgun instructors by |
|
the department. The department shall include on the lists each |
|
individual's name, telephone number, e-mail address, and Internet |
|
website address. The department shall make the list available on |
|
the department's Internet website. |
|
(e) An individual who is certified as a qualified handgun |
|
instructor may request in writing that the department not disclose |
|
all or part of the information described by Subsection (d) |
|
regarding the individual. The department shall remove all or part |
|
of the individual's information from the list as requested. |
|
SECTION 6.03. The heading to Section 418.005, Government |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 418.005. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR APPOINTED |
|
OFFICERS. |
|
SECTION 6.04. Subchapter A, Chapter 418, Government Code, |
|
is amended by adding Section 418.0051 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 418.0051. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR ELECTED |
|
PUBLIC OFFICERS. An elected public officer of the state or of a |
|
political subdivision whose duties include emergency management |
|
responsibilities or who plays a role in emergency preparedness, |
|
response, or recovery may attend the training provided under |
|
Section 418.005 appropriate to the individual's position. |
|
SECTION 6.05. Section 614.151(2), Government Code, as added |
|
by Chapter 1159 (H.B. 12), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular |
|
Session, 2007, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(2) "Law enforcement officer" means a person who[:
|
|
[(A)] is a commissioned peace officer[;
|
|
[(B) is] employed by a law enforcement agency[;
|
|
and
|
|
[(C) is compensated according to:
|
|
[(i)
Schedule C of the position
|
|
classification salary schedule prescribed by the General
|
|
Appropriations Act if the person is employed by a law enforcement
|
|
agency other than the Parks and Wildlife Department; or
|
|
[(ii)
Schedule B or C of the position
|
|
classification salary schedule prescribed by the General
|
|
Appropriations Act if the person is employed by the Parks and
|
|
Wildlife Department]. |
|
SECTION 6.06. Section 614.152, Government Code, as added by |
|
Chapter 1159 (H.B. 12), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular |
|
Session, 2007, is amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 614.152. PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAMS AND STANDARDS. (a) |
|
Each [Out of appropriated funds, each] law enforcement agency shall |
|
adopt physical fitness programs that a law enforcement officer must |
|
participate in and physical fitness standards that a law |
|
enforcement officer must meet [to continue employment with the
|
|
agency as a law enforcement officer]. The standards as applied to |
|
an officer must directly relate to the officer's job duties and |
|
shall include individual fitness goals specific to the officer's |
|
age, weight, and gender. A law enforcement agency shall use the |
|
services of a consultant to aid the agency in developing the |
|
standards. |
|
(a-1) Each law enforcement agency shall adopt a reward |
|
policy that provides for reward incentives to officers who |
|
participate in the program and meet the standards adopted under |
|
Subsection (a). The reward incentives under the policy must be an |
|
amount of administrative leave of not more than four days per year. |
|
(a-2) An agency may adopt physical readiness standards |
|
independent of other law enforcement agencies. |
|
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), the inability of |
|
an officer to participate in a program or meet [a violation of] a |
|
standard adopted under Subsection (a) is just cause to [discharge
|
|
an officer or:
|
|
[(1)] transfer an officer to a position that is not |
|
compensated according to Schedule C of the position classification |
|
salary schedule prescribed by the General Appropriations Act[; or
|
|
[(2)
for a law enforcement officer employed by the
|
|
Parks and Wildlife Department and compensated according to Schedule
|
|
B of the position classification salary schedule prescribed by the
|
|
General Appropriations Act, transfer the officer to a position that
|
|
does not require the employee to be a commissioned peace officer]. |
|
(c) A law enforcement agency may exempt a law enforcement |
|
officer from participating in a program or meeting a standard under |
|
Subsection (a) based on the facts and circumstances of the |
|
individual case, including whether an officer was injured in the |
|
line of duty. |
|
SECTION 6.07. Section 411.171(4), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(4) "Convicted" means an adjudication of guilt or, |
|
except as provided in Section 411.1711, an order of deferred |
|
adjudication entered against a person by a court of competent |
|
jurisdiction whether or not the imposition of the sentence is |
|
subsequently probated and the person is discharged from community |
|
supervision. The term does not include an adjudication of guilt or |
|
an order of deferred adjudication that has been subsequently: |
|
(A) expunged; [or] |
|
(B) pardoned under the authority of a state or |
|
federal official; or |
|
(C) otherwise vacated, set aside, annulled, |
|
invalidated, voided, or sealed under any state or federal law. |
|
SECTION 6.08. Section 521.005, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 521.005. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY. (a) The department |
|
may adopt rules necessary to administer this chapter. |
|
(b) The department may not adopt or implement a new rule or |
|
directive that is consistent with the REAL ID Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. |
|
Section 30301 et seq.), unless otherwise authorized by this |
|
chapter. |
|
SECTION 6.09. Subchapter C, Chapter 522, Transportation |
|
Code, is amended by adding Section 522.034 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 522.034. HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS PROGRAM. (a) |
|
The department shall establish a health management and wellness |
|
program to educate each applicant for a commercial driver's license |
|
or commercial driver learner's permit on health risks that may |
|
increase the risk that an operator may cause an accident while |
|
driving a commercial motor vehicle. At a minimum, the program must |
|
include information on: |
|
(1) high blood pressure; |
|
(2) high cholesterol; and |
|
(3) diabetes. |
|
(b) The department shall make the health management and |
|
wellness information required by Subsection (a) available to each |
|
applicant: |
|
(1) in person, at the time the applicant submits an |
|
application for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver |
|
learner's permit; and |
|
(2) on the department's Internet website. |
|
SECTION 6.10. Subchapter S, Chapter 521, Transportation |
|
Code, is amended by adding Section 521.4565 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 521.4565. CONSPIRING TO MANUFACTURE COUNTERFEIT |
|
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE. (a) In this section: |
|
(1) "Combination," "conspires to commit," "profits," |
|
and "criminal street gang" have the meanings assigned by Section |
|
71.01, Penal Code. |
|
(2) "Conspires to manufacture or produce" means that: |
|
(A) a person agrees with one or more other |
|
persons to engage in the manufacture or production of a forged or |
|
counterfeit instrument; and |
|
(B) the person and one or more of the other |
|
persons perform an overt act in pursuance of the agreement. |
|
(3) "Instrument" means a driver's license, commercial |
|
driver's license, or personal identification certificate. |
|
(4) "Public servant" has the meaning assigned by |
|
Section 1.07, Penal Code. |
|
(b) A person commits an offense if the person establishes, |
|
maintains, or participates in or conspires to establish, maintain, |
|
or participate in a combination or criminal street gang, or |
|
participates in the profits of a combination or criminal street |
|
gang, with the intent to manufacture or produce a forged or |
|
counterfeit instrument for the purpose of selling, distributing, or |
|
delivering the instrument. An agreement that constitutes |
|
conspiring to manufacture or produce may be inferred from the acts |
|
of the parties. |
|
(c) An offense under this section is a state jail felony, |
|
except that an offense committed by a public servant is a felony of |
|
the third degree. |
|
SECTION 6.11. Section 708.151, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 708.151. NOTICE OF SURCHARGE. (a) The department |
|
shall send notices as required by Subsection (b) to [notify] the |
|
holder of a driver's license when [of the assessment of] a surcharge |
|
is assessed on that license. Each notice must: |
|
(1) be sent by first class mail [sent] to the person's |
|
most recent address as shown on the records of the department or to |
|
the person's most recent forwarding address on record with the |
|
United States Postal Service if it is different; |
|
(2) [. The notice must] specify the date by which the |
|
surcharge must be paid; |
|
(3) state the total dollar amount of the surcharge |
|
which must be paid, the number of monthly payments required under an |
|
installment payment plan, and the minimum monthly payment required |
|
for a person to enter and maintain an installment payment plan with |
|
the department; and |
|
(4) state the consequences of a failure to pay the |
|
surcharge. |
|
(b) The department shall send a first notice not later than |
|
the fifth day after the date the surcharge is assessed. Any notice |
|
under this section shall also include a conspicuous notice |
|
regarding the ability of a person to qualify as indigent under |
|
Section 708.158 and the procedures to establish with the department |
|
their indigent status so that they may qualify for the reduced |
|
surcharges as set forth in Section 708.158. |
|
(c) Once a person is recognized as an indigent under Section |
|
708.158, the department shall send a new notification to that |
|
person which accurately reflects the reduced surcharges owed. |
|
(d) If on or before the 45th day after the date the first |
|
notice was sent the person fails to pay the amount of the surcharge |
|
or fails to enter into an installment payment agreement with the |
|
department, the department shall send a second notice. If on or |
|
before the 60th day after the date the second notice was sent the |
|
person fails to pay the amount of the surcharge or fails to enter |
|
into an installment payment agreement with the department, the |
|
department shall send a third notice which advises the person that |
|
his/her driving privileges are suspended. |
|
SECTION 6.12. Section 708.152(a), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) If on [before] the 60th [30th] day after the date the |
|
department sends a second notice under Section 708.151 the person |
|
fails to pay the amount of a surcharge on the person's license or |
|
fails to enter into an installment payment agreement with the |
|
department, the license of the person is automatically suspended. |
|
The person's license may not be suspended under this section before |
|
the 105th day after the surcharge was assessed by the department. |
|
SECTION 6.13. Section 708.153(b), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) A rule under this section: |
|
(1) may not require [permit] a person to pay a |
|
surcharge over a period of less [more] than 36 consecutive months |
|
for surcharges in the amount of $500 or more; may not require a |
|
person to pay a surcharge over a period of less than 24 consecutive |
|
months for surcharges of $250 to $499; and may not require a person |
|
to pay a surcharge over a period of less than 12 consecutive months |
|
for surcharges of $249 or less; and |
|
(2) may provide that if the person fails to make any |
|
[a] required monthly installment payment, the department may |
|
reestablish the installment plan upon receipt of a payment in the |
|
amount at least equal to a required monthly installment payment [or
|
|
declare the amount of the unpaid surcharge immediately due and
|
|
payable]. |
|
SECTION 6.14. Section 708.157(c), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) The department by rule shall [may] establish an |
|
indigency program for holders of a driver's license on which a |
|
surcharge has been assessed for certain offenses, as determined by |
|
the department. |
|
SECTION 6.15. Subchapter D, Chapter 708, Transportation |
|
Code, is amended by adding Section 708.158 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 708.158. INDIGENT STATUS AND REDUCTION OF SURCHARGES. |
|
(a) The department shall waive 75 percent of all surcharges |
|
assessed under Chapter 708 for a person meeting the criteria set |
|
forth in Subsections (b) and (c) hereof. |
|
(b) The department shall waive 80 percent of all surcharges |
|
against a person who is indigent. For the purposes of this |
|
subsection, a person is indigent if the person provides evidence |
|
described by Subsection (c) to the department. |
|
(c) A person must provide the following information to the |
|
department that the person's income or the person's household |
|
income does not exceed 125 percent of the applicable income level |
|
established by the federal poverty guidelines, and the following |
|
documentation may be used as such proof: |
|
(1) a copy of the person's most recent federal income |
|
tax return; |
|
(2) a copy of the person's most recent statement of |
|
wages; or |
|
(3) documentation from a federal agency, state agency, |
|
or school district that indicates that the person or, if the person |
|
is a dependent as defined by Section 152 of the Internal Revenue |
|
Code, the taxpayer claiming the person as a dependent, receives |
|
assistance from: |
|
(A) the food stamp program or the financial |
|
assistance program established under Chapter 31, Human Resources |
|
Code; |
|
(B) the federal special supplemental nutrition |
|
program for women, infants, and children authorized by 42 U.S.C. |
|
Section 1786; |
|
(C) the medical assistance program under Chapter |
|
32, Human Resources Code; |
|
(D) the child health plan program under Chapter |
|
62, Health and Safety Code; or |
|
(E) the national free or reduced-price lunch |
|
program established under 42 U.S.C. Section 1751 et seq. |
|
SECTION 6.16. Article 2.131, Code of Criminal Procedure, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Art. 2.131. RACIAL PROFILING PROHIBITED. (a) A peace |
|
officer may not engage in racial profiling. |
|
(b) A civilian employee of the Department of Public Safety |
|
assigned to a driver's license facility of that department may not |
|
engage in racial profiling in issuing an original, renewal, or |
|
duplicate driver's license, commercial driver's license, or |
|
personal identification certificate. |
|
SECTION 6.17. Article 2.132, Code of Criminal Procedure, is |
|
amended by adding Subsection (g) to read as follows: |
|
(g) To the extent that they can be made applicable, the |
|
provisions of Subsections (b)(1), (2), (3), (4), and (5) also apply |
|
to civilian employees of the Department of Public Safety who are |
|
assigned to the driver's license facilities of the department. |
|
SECTION 6.18. Section 22.0834, Education Code, is amended |
|
by adding Subsection (k) to read as follows: |
|
(k) The requirements of this section apply to an entity that |
|
contracts directly with a school district, open-enrollment charter |
|
school, or shared services arrangement and any subcontractor of the |
|
entity. For purposes of this subsection, "subcontractor" means an |
|
entity that contracts with another entity that is not a school |
|
district, open-enrollment charter school, or shared services |
|
arrangement to provide services to a school district, |
|
open-enrollment charter school, or shared services arrangement. |
|
SECTION 6.19. (a) In this section: |
|
(1) "Authorized employee" means an officer of the |
|
Texas Highway Patrol or other law enforcement officer commissioned |
|
by the director of the department. |
|
(2) "Department" means the Department of Public |
|
Safety. |
|
(3) "Pilot program" means the pilot fingerprint |
|
identification program established under this section. |
|
(b) If sufficient funds are available, the department shall |
|
develop and implement a program in one or more counties of this |
|
state to pilot the use by authorized employees of a mobile |
|
fingerprint identification system to perform fingerprint checks in |
|
the field as an aid to law enforcement. |
|
(c) In implementing the pilot program, the department shall |
|
use a portable, lightweight mobile fingerprint scanner developed |
|
for law enforcement that is secure, uses encrypted data |
|
transmissions for protection of the public, and does not require |
|
the authorized employee to carry additional equipment for the |
|
scanner to receive the data. The department shall make its existing |
|
automated fingerprint identification system available for use |
|
during the period of the pilot program. |
|
(d) The department shall comply with all state procurement |
|
requirements in implementing the pilot program. |
|
(e) The department may work with and enter into memorandums |
|
of understanding with municipalities to implement the pilot |
|
program. |
|
(f) Under the pilot program, an authorized employee may not |
|
check the fingerprint of a person without the verbal consent of that |
|
person. |
|
(g) The department may extend the pilot program to |
|
additional counties if the department determines that the expansion |
|
would be cost-effective. |
|
(h) The department shall begin implementation of the pilot |
|
program not later than January 1, 2010, and shall conduct the pilot |
|
program for at least 12 months. |
|
(i) Not later than February 1, 2011, the department shall |
|
report to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the |
|
house of representatives, and the Sunset Advisory Commission |
|
regarding the pilot program. The report must include the |
|
department's recommendations for continuation or expansion of the |
|
pilot program and an evaluation of the department's use of the |
|
mobile fingerprint identification system, including: |
|
(1) the appropriateness of conducting remote |
|
fingerprint checks; |
|
(2) the value of remote fingerprint checking in |
|
combating crime and enforcing department rules and other laws of |
|
this state; |
|
(3) the impact of using remote fingerprint checks on |
|
the efficiency of authorized employees; |
|
(4) the impact of using remote fingerprint checks on |
|
the safety of authorized employees; and |
|
(5) any reduction in inconvenience to a person who is |
|
not carrying a required license. |
|
SECTION 6.20. Subject to the availability of funds, all |
|
department employees charged with processing applications for and |
|
issuing driver's licenses and/or identification cards shall |
|
receive a one-time pay raise in the amount of $3,000 per year upon |
|
meeting the following qualifications: |
|
(1) completion of all training requirements; |
|
(2) a minimum of six months consecutive employment |
|
with the department in the same position; and |
|
(3) a satisfactory job review by the employee's |
|
immediate supervisor. |
|
ARTICLE 7. CERTAIN AGENCY ACCESS TO DATABASES |
|
SECTION 7.01 Subchapter C, Chapter 481, Health and Safety |
|
Code, is amended by adding Section 481.0762 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 481.0762. CERTAIN AGENCY ACCESS TO DATABASES. |
|
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the director shall when |
|
it becomes technologically feasible permit the Texas State Board of |
|
Pharmacy and the Texas Medical Board to have independent direct |
|
access to any information submitted to the director or the |
|
department for their respective applicants or licensees relating to |
|
controlled substance prescriptions, including information |
|
submitted by electronic transfer of prescriptions for controlled |
|
substances created under Subchapter C, Chapter 481, including any |
|
information received, collected, maintained, or compiled under |
|
Section 481.076 or 481.0761. |
|
ARTICLE 8. GRANTS FOR HOMELAND SECURITY AND BORDER SECURITY |
|
PURPOSES |
|
SECTION 8.01. Subchapter A, Chapter 411, Government Code, |
|
is amended by adding Section 411.0133 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 411.0133. HOMELAND SECURITY AND BORDER SECURITY |
|
GRANTS. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, including Section |
|
772.006, the department is the only entity of state government that |
|
may select the recipient of state or federal funds granted by the |
|
state for homeland security or border security purposes. |
|
(b) Another state entity with state or federal funds to be |
|
granted for homeland security or border security purposes shall: |
|
(1) remit the funds to the department, which shall |
|
administer the grant; or |
|
(2) notify the department and award the grant to the |
|
person selected by the department. |
|
(c) The department by rule shall adopt a formula for |
|
selecting the recipients of grants for homeland security and border |
|
security purposes. The formula must fully consider the needs of the |
|
communities or entities applying for the grants and must give |
|
emphasis to: |
|
(1) the quality of homeland security or border |
|
security information collected by applicants; |
|
(2) the number of suspects with authority in a |
|
criminal enterprise apprehended by the applicants; and |
|
(3) the amount of illegal substances, contraband |
|
currency, and ammunition and number of firearms and stolen vehicles |
|
seized by the applicants. |
|
(d) The department may not award a grant using a method |
|
other than the formula under Subsection (c). |
|
(e) Not later than December 1 of each year, the department |
|
shall submit a report to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker |
|
of the house of representatives, and members of the legislature |
|
regarding the department's activities under this section during the |
|
preceding state fiscal year. |
|
SECTION 8.02. Sections 421.0025(b) and (c), Government |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The Border Security Council shall develop and recommend |
|
to the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas [office of
|
|
the governor] performance standards, reporting requirements, audit |
|
methods, and other procedures to ensure that funds allocated by the |
|
department [office of the governor] for purposes related to |
|
security at or near this state's international border are used |
|
properly and that the recipients of the funds are accountable for |
|
the proper use of the funds. |
|
(c) The Border Security Council shall advise the Department |
|
of Public Safety of the State of Texas [office of the governor] |
|
regarding the allocation of funds by the department [office] for |
|
purposes related to security at or near this state's international |
|
border. Recommendations relating to the allocation of those funds |
|
must be made by a majority of the members of the council. |
|
SECTION 8.03. The heading to Subchapter D, Chapter 421, |
|
Government Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE[; FUNDING] |
|
SECTION 8.04. Section 421.072, Government Code, is |
|
repealed. |
|
SECTION 8.05. This article takes effect September 1, 2009. |
|
ARTICLE 9. SAFE SCHOOLS UNIT |
|
SECTION 9.01. Subchapter A, Chapter 411, Government Code, is |
|
amended by adding Section 411.0203 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 411.0203. SAFE SCHOOLS UNIT. (a) The commission shall |
|
establish a safe schools unit pilot program in the department for |
|
the 2010-2011 school year to provide school districts in counties |
|
that participate in the program with information and other |
|
assistance concerning the issues of juvenile delinquency, juvenile |
|
substance abuse, and other law enforcement issues that affect |
|
school districts. |
|
(b) Not later than February 1, 2010, the director shall |
|
select five counties to participate in the pilot program. The |
|
director may select only a county that has a population of less than |
|
500,000. At least one of the counties the director selects must |
|
have a population of more than 190,000, be located along the |
|
southern portion of the border between this state and Mexico, and |
|
contain a municipality with a population of more than 175,000. Each |
|
school district in a participating county shall participate in the |
|
pilot program. |
|
(c) The director shall administer the pilot program and |
|
adopt rules to implement and administer the program. In adopting |
|
rules, the director shall ensure that the pilot program addresses |
|
law enforcement issues that affect school districts, including the |
|
prevention of and intervention in juvenile delinquency and |
|
substance abuse. |
|
(d) This section expires August 31, 2011. |
|
SECTION 9.02. As soon as practicable after the effective |
|
date of this Act, the public safety director shall adopt rules as |
|
necessary to implement Section 411.0203, Government Code, as added |
|
by this Act. |
|
ARTICLE 9A. DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION |
|
REGARDING PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES |
|
SECTION 9A.01. Section 411.084, Government Code, is amended |
|
by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (a-1) and (c) to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) Criminal history record information obtained from the |
|
department under this subchapter, including any identification |
|
information that could reveal the identity of a person about whom |
|
criminal history record information is requested and information |
|
that directly or indirectly indicates or implies involvement of a |
|
person in the criminal justice system: |
|
(1) is for the exclusive use of the authorized |
|
recipient of the information; and |
|
(2) may be disclosed or used by the recipient only if, |
|
and only to the extent that, disclosure or use is authorized or |
|
directed by: |
|
(A) this subchapter; |
|
(B) another statute; |
|
(C) a rule adopted under a statute; or |
|
(D) an order of a court of competent |
|
jurisdiction. |
|
(a-1) The term "criminal history record" information under |
|
Subsection (a) does not refer to any specific document produced to |
|
comply with this subchapter but to the information contained, |
|
wholly or partly, in a document's original form or any subsequent |
|
form or use. |
|
(c) An agency or individual may not confirm the existence or |
|
nonexistence of criminal history record information to any person |
|
that is not eligible to receive the information. |
|
SECTION 9A.02. Sections 411.090(b) and (c), Government Code, |
|
are amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) Criminal history record information obtained by the |
|
board in the original form or any subsequent form [under Subsection
|
|
(a)]: |
|
(1) may be used only for a [any] purpose related to the |
|
issuance, denial, suspension, or cancellation of a certificate |
|
issued by the board; |
|
(2) may not be released to any person except: |
|
(A) the person who is the subject of the |
|
information; |
|
(B) the Texas Education Agency; |
|
(C) a local or regional educational entity as |
|
provided by Section 411.097; or |
|
(D) by [on] court order [or with the consent of
|
|
the applicant for a certificate]; [and] |
|
(3) is not subject to disclosure as provided by |
|
Chapter 552; and |
|
(4) shall be destroyed by the board after the |
|
information is used for the authorized purposes. |
|
(c) The department shall notify the State Board for Educator |
|
Certification of the arrest of any educator, as defined by Section |
|
5.001, Education Code, who has fingerprints on file with the |
|
department. Any record of the notification and any information |
|
contained in the notification is not subject to disclosure as |
|
provided by Chapter 552. |
|
SECTION 9A.03. Section 411.0901, Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 411.0901. ACCESS TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD |
|
INFORMATION: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY. (a) The Texas Education |
|
Agency is entitled to obtain criminal history record information |
|
maintained by the department about a person who: |
|
(1) is employed or is an applicant for employment by a |
|
school district or open-enrollment charter school; |
|
(2) is employed or is an applicant for employment by a |
|
shared services arrangement, if the employee's or applicant's |
|
duties are or will be performed on school property or at another |
|
location where students are regularly present; or |
|
(3) is employed or is an applicant for employment by an |
|
entity that contracts with a school district, open-enrollment |
|
charter school, or shared services arrangement if: |
|
(A) the employee or applicant has or will have |
|
continuing duties relating to the contracted services; and |
|
(B) the employee or applicant has or will have |
|
direct contact with students. |
|
(b) Criminal history record information obtained by the |
|
agency in the original form or any subsequent form: |
|
(1) may be used only for a purpose authorized by the |
|
Education Code; |
|
(2) may not be released to any person except: |
|
(A) the person who is the subject of the |
|
information; |
|
(B) the State Board for Educator Certification; |
|
(C) a local or regional educational entity as |
|
provided by Section 411.097; or |
|
(D) by court order; |
|
(3) is not subject to disclosure as provided by |
|
Chapter 552; and |
|
(4) shall be destroyed by the agency after the |
|
information is used for the authorized purposes. |
|
SECTION 9A.04. Section 411.097, Government Code, is amended |
|
by amending Subsection (d) and adding Subsection (f) to read as |
|
follows: |
|
(d) Criminal history record information obtained by a |
|
school district, charter school, private school, service center, |
|
commercial transportation company, or shared services arrangement |
|
in the original form or any subsequent form: |
|
(1) [under Subsection (a), (b), or (c)] may not be |
|
released [or disclosed] to any person except: |
|
(A) [, other than] the individual who is the |
|
subject of the information; |
|
(B) [,] the Texas Education Agency; |
|
(C) [,] the State Board for Educator |
|
Certification; |
|
(D) [, or] the chief personnel officer of the |
|
transportation company, if the information is obtained under |
|
Subsection (a)(2); or |
|
(E) by court order; |
|
(2) is not subject to disclosure as provided by |
|
Chapter 552; and |
|
(3) shall be destroyed by the school district, charter |
|
school, private school, service center, commercial transportation |
|
company, or shared services arrangement on the earlier of: |
|
(A) the first anniversary of the date the |
|
information was originally obtained; or |
|
(B) the date the information is used for the |
|
authorized purpose. |
|
(f) An employee of a school district, charter school, |
|
private school, regional education service center, commercial |
|
transportation company, or education shared services arrangement |
|
or an entity that contracts to provide services to a school |
|
district, charter school, or shared services arrangement may |
|
request from the employer a copy of any criminal history record |
|
information relating to that employee that the employer has |
|
obtained as provided by Subchapter C, Chapter 22, Education Code. |
|
The employer may charge a fee to an employee requesting a copy of |
|
the information in an amount not to exceed the actual cost of |
|
copying the requested criminal history record information. |
|
SECTION 9A.05. Subchapter C, Chapter 22, Education Code, is |
|
amended by adding Section 22.08391 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 22.08391. CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION. (a) |
|
Information collected about a person to comply with this |
|
subchapter, including the person's name, address, phone number, |
|
social security number, driver's license number, other |
|
identification number, and fingerprint records: |
|
(1) may not be released except: |
|
(A) to comply with this subchapter; |
|
(B) by court order; or |
|
(C) with the consent of the person who is the |
|
subject of the information; |
|
(2) is not subject to disclosure as provided by |
|
Chapter 552, Government Code; and |
|
(3) shall be destroyed by the requestor or any |
|
subsequent holder of the information not later than the first |
|
anniversary of the date the information is received. |
|
(b) Any criminal history record information received by the |
|
State Board for Educator Certification as provided by this |
|
subchapter is subject to Section 411.090(b), Government Code. |
|
(c) Any criminal history record information received by the |
|
agency as provided by this subchapter is subject to Section |
|
411.0901(b), Government Code. |
|
(d) Any criminal history record information received by a |
|
school district, charter school, private school, regional |
|
education service center, commercial transportation company, or |
|
education shared services arrangement or an entity that contracts |
|
to provide services to a school district, charter school, or shared |
|
services arrangement as provided by this subchapter is subject to |
|
Section 411.097(d), Government Code. |
|
SECTION 9A.06. The change in law made by this article |
|
applies to information collected, assembled, or maintained before, |
|
on, or after the effective date of this article. |
|
ARTICLE 10. CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION |
|
CONCERNING CERTAIN INTOXICATION OFFENSES |
|
SECTION 10.01. Section 411.135(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Any person is entitled to obtain from the department: |
|
(1) any information described as public information |
|
under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, [as added by Chapter
|
|
668, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997,] |
|
including, to the extent available, a recent photograph of each |
|
person subject to registration under that chapter; [and] |
|
(2) criminal history record information maintained by |
|
the department that relates to the conviction of or a grant of |
|
deferred adjudication to a person for any criminal offense, |
|
including arrest information that relates to the conviction or |
|
grant of deferred adjudication; and |
|
(3) any information described as public information |
|
under Section 411.1355(a). |
|
SECTION 10.02. Subchapter F, Chapter 411, Government Code, |
|
is amended by adding Sections 411.1355 and 411.1356 to read as |
|
follows: |
|
Sec. 411.1355. PUBLIC ACCESS TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD |
|
INFORMATION CONCERNING CERTAIN INTOXICATION OFFENSES. (a) |
|
Criminal history record information that concerns a person's |
|
conviction for an offense under Section 49.04, 49.045, 49.05, |
|
49.06, 49.065, 49.07, or 49.08, Penal Code, is public information |
|
if the person has been previously convicted of an offense under one |
|
of those sections. |
|
(b) The department shall design and implement an Internet |
|
website to allow any person, free of charge, to electronically |
|
search for and receive information described by Subsection (a) by |
|
entering specific search criteria into the website, including a zip |
|
code, city, county, or name of a person. The search results: |
|
(1) must include: |
|
(A) the municipality in which the last known |
|
address of the person convicted is located; and |
|
(B) a recent photograph of the person convicted |
|
taken attendant to the person's arrest; and |
|
(2) may not include: |
|
(A) any information regarding the convicted |
|
person's social security number, driver's license number, or |
|
telephone number; |
|
(B) any information that would identify a victim |
|
of the offense; or |
|
(C) any information regarding a person if 15 |
|
years have elapsed since the date the person committed the most |
|
recent offense for which the person was convicted under Section |
|
49.04, 49.045, 49.05, 49.06, 49.065, 49.07, or 49.08, Penal Code. |
|
Sec. 411.1356. CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION |
|
CONCERNING CERTAIN INTOXICATION OFFENSES PROVIDED TO PEACE OFFICER |
|
ON REQUEST. The department shall establish a procedure by which a |
|
peace officer or employee of a law enforcement agency who provides |
|
the department with a driver's license number, personal |
|
identification certificate number, or license plate number is |
|
automatically provided information as to whether the department has |
|
criminal history record information concerning an offense under |
|
Section 49.04, 49.045, 49.05, 49.06, 49.065, 49.07, or 49.08, Penal |
|
Code, about the person to whom the driver's license, personal |
|
identification certificate, or license plate is issued. The |
|
procedure must allow a peace officer to request the information |
|
from the location of a motor vehicle stop and to receive a response |
|
to the request during the duration of a reasonable motor vehicle |
|
stop. |
|
SECTION 10.03. Not later than May 1, 2010, the Department of |
|
Public Safety shall make criminal history record information |
|
available to a requesting person as required by Sections 411.1355 |
|
and 411.1356, Government Code, as added by this Act. |
|
ARTICLE 11. APPLICATION FOR LICENSE TO |
|
CARRY A CONCEALED HANDGUN |
|
SECTION 11.01. Section 411.175, Government Code, is |
|
repealed. |
|
SECTION 11.02. Section 411.172(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A person is eligible for a license to carry a concealed |
|
handgun if the person: |
|
(1) is a legal resident of this state for the six-month |
|
period preceding the date of application under this subchapter or |
|
is otherwise eligible for a license under Section 411.173(a); |
|
(2) is at least 21 years of age; |
|
(3) has not been convicted of a felony; |
|
(4) is not charged with the commission of a Class A or |
|
Class B misdemeanor or an offense under Section 42.01, Penal Code, |
|
or of a felony under an information or indictment; |
|
(5) is not a fugitive from justice for a felony or a |
|
Class A or Class B misdemeanor; |
|
(6) is not a chemically dependent person; |
|
(7) is not incapable of exercising sound judgment with |
|
respect to the proper use and storage of a handgun; |
|
(8) has not, in the five years preceding the date of |
|
application, been convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or |
|
an offense under Section 42.01, Penal Code; |
|
(9) is fully qualified under applicable federal and |
|
state law to purchase a handgun; |
|
(10) has not been finally determined to be delinquent |
|
in making a child support payment administered or collected by the |
|
attorney general; |
|
(11) [has not been finally determined to be delinquent
|
|
in the payment of a tax or other money collected by the comptroller,
|
|
the tax collector of a political subdivision of the state, or any
|
|
agency or subdivision of the state;
|
|
[(12)
has not been finally determined to be in default
|
|
on a loan made under Chapter 57, Education Code;
|
|
[(13)] is not currently restricted under a court |
|
protective order or subject to a restraining order affecting the |
|
spousal relationship, other than a restraining order solely |
|
affecting property interests; |
|
(12) [(14)] has not, in the 10 years preceding the |
|
date of application, been adjudicated as having engaged in |
|
delinquent conduct violating a penal law of the grade of felony; and |
|
(13) [(15)] has not made any material |
|
misrepresentation, or failed to disclose any material fact, in an |
|
application submitted pursuant to Section 411.174 [or in a request
|
|
for application submitted pursuant to Section 411.175]. |
|
SECTION 11.03. Section 411.176, Government Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 411.176. REVIEW OF APPLICATION MATERIALS. (a) On |
|
receipt of [the] application materials by the department at its |
|
Austin headquarters, the department shall conduct the appropriate |
|
criminal history record check of the applicant through its |
|
computerized criminal history system. Not later than the 30th day |
|
after the date the department receives the application materials, |
|
the department shall forward the materials to the director's |
|
designee in the geographical area of the applicant's residence so |
|
that the designee may conduct the investigation described by |
|
Subsection (b). For purposes of this section, the director's |
|
designee may be a noncommissioned employee of the department. |
|
(b) The director's designee as needed shall conduct an |
|
additional criminal history record check of the applicant and an |
|
investigation of the applicant's local official records to verify |
|
the accuracy of the application materials. The director's designee |
|
may access any records necessary for purposes of this subsection. |
|
The scope of the record check and the investigation are at the sole |
|
discretion of the department, except that the director's designee |
|
shall complete the record check and investigation not later than |
|
the 60th day after the date the department receives the application |
|
materials. The department shall send a fingerprint card to the |
|
Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history |
|
check of the applicant. On completion of the investigation, the |
|
director's designee shall return all materials and the result of |
|
the investigation to the appropriate division of the department at |
|
its Austin headquarters. |
|
(c) The director's designee may submit to the appropriate |
|
division of the department, at the department's Austin |
|
headquarters, along with the application materials a written |
|
recommendation for disapproval of the application, accompanied by |
|
an affidavit stating personal knowledge or naming persons with |
|
personal knowledge of a ground for denial under Section 411.172. |
|
The director's designee [in the appropriate geographical area] may |
|
also submit the application and the recommendation that the license |
|
be issued. |
|
(d) On receipt at the department's Austin headquarters of |
|
the application materials and the result of the investigation by |
|
the director's designee, the department shall conduct any further |
|
record check or investigation the department determines is |
|
necessary if a question exists with respect to the accuracy of the |
|
application materials or the eligibility of the applicant, except |
|
that the department shall complete the record check and |
|
investigation not later than the 180th day after the date the |
|
department receives the application materials from the applicant. |
|
SECTION 11.04. Section 411.177(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The department shall, not later than the 60th day after |
|
the date of the receipt by the director's designee of the completed |
|
application materials: |
|
(1) issue the license; |
|
(2) notify the applicant in writing that the |
|
application was denied: |
|
(A) on the grounds that the applicant failed to |
|
qualify under the criteria listed in Section 411.172; |
|
(B) based on the affidavit of the director's |
|
designee submitted to the department under Section 411.176(c) |
|
[411.176(b)]; or |
|
(C) based on the affidavit of the qualified |
|
handgun instructor submitted to the department under Section |
|
411.189(c); or |
|
(3) notify the applicant in writing that the |
|
department is unable to make a determination regarding the issuance |
|
or denial of a license to the applicant within the 60-day period |
|
prescribed by this subsection and include in that notification an |
|
explanation of the reason for the inability and an estimation of the |
|
amount of time the department will need to make the determination. |
|
SECTION 11.05. The changes in law made by this article in |
|
repealing Section 411.175, Government Code, apply only to an |
|
application for the issuance of a license that is submitted to the |
|
Department of Public Safety on or after September 1, 2009. An |
|
application submitted before September 1, 2009, is governed by the |
|
law in effect when the application was submitted, and the former law |
|
is continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 11.06. This article takes effect September 1, 2009. |
|
ARTICLE 12. DISPLAY OF LICENSE TO |
|
CARRY A CONCEALED HANDGUN |
|
SECTION 12.01. Sections 411.187(a) and (c), Government |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A license may be suspended under this section if the |
|
license holder: |
|
(1) is charged with the commission of a Class A or |
|
Class B misdemeanor or an offense under Section 42.01, Penal Code, |
|
or of a felony under an information or indictment; |
|
(2) [fails to display a license as required by Section
|
|
411.205;
|
|
[(3)] fails to notify the department of a change of |
|
address or name as required by Section 411.181; |
|
(3) [(4)] carries a concealed handgun under the |
|
authority of this subchapter of a different category than the |
|
license holder is licensed to carry; |
|
(4) [(5)] fails to return a previously issued license |
|
after a license is modified as required by Section 411.184(d); |
|
(5) [(6)] commits an act of family violence and is the |
|
subject of an active protective order rendered under Title 4, |
|
Family Code; or |
|
(6) [(7)] is arrested for an offense involving family |
|
violence or an offense under Section 42.072, Penal Code, and is the |
|
subject of an order for emergency protection issued under Article |
|
17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
(c) A license may be suspended under this section: |
|
(1) for 30 days, if the person's license is subject to |
|
suspension for a reason listed in Subsection (a)(2), (3) [(a)(3)], |
|
or (4), [or (5),] except as provided by Subdivision (2) [(3)]; |
|
(2) [for 90 days, if the person's license is subject to
|
|
suspension for a reason listed in Subsection (a)(2), except as
|
|
provided by Subdivision (3);
|
|
[(3)] for not less than one year and not more than three |
|
years if the person's license is subject to suspension for a reason |
|
listed in Subsection (a), other than the reason listed in |
|
Subsection (a)(1), and the person's license has been previously |
|
suspended for the same reason; |
|
(3) [(4)] until dismissal of the charges if the |
|
person's license is subject to suspension for the reason listed in |
|
Subsection (a)(1); or |
|
(4) [(5)] for the duration of or the period specified |
|
by: |
|
(A) the protective order issued under Title 4, |
|
Family Code, if the person's license is subject to suspension for |
|
the reason listed in Subsection (a)(5) [(a)(6)]; or |
|
(B) the order for emergency protection issued |
|
under Article 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure, if the person's |
|
license is subject to suspension for the reason listed in |
|
Subsection (a)(6) [(a)(7)]. |
|
SECTION 12.02. Section 411.205, Government Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 411.205. REQUIREMENT TO DISPLAY [DISPLAYING] |
|
LICENSE[; PENALTY]. [(a)] If a license holder is carrying a |
|
handgun on or about the license holder's person when a magistrate or |
|
a peace officer demands that the license holder display |
|
identification, the license holder shall display both the license |
|
holder's driver's license or identification certificate issued by |
|
the department and the license holder's handgun license. [A person
|
|
who fails or refuses to display the license and identification as
|
|
required by this subsection is subject to suspension of the
|
|
person's license as provided by Section 411.187.
|
|
[(b)
A person commits an offense if the person fails or
|
|
refuses to display the license and identification as required by
|
|
Subsection (a) after previously having had the person's license
|
|
suspended for a violation of that subsection. An offense under this
|
|
subsection is a Class B misdemeanor.] |
|
SECTION 12.03. An offense under Section 411.205, Government |
|
Code, may not be prosecuted after the effective date of this |
|
article. If, on the effective date of this article, a criminal |
|
action is pending for an offense under Section 411.205, the action |
|
is dismissed on that date. However, a final conviction for an |
|
offense under Section 411.205 that exists on the effective date of |
|
this article is unaffected by this article. |
|
SECTION 12.04. This article takes effect September 1, 2009. |
|
ARTICLE 13. DRIVER'S LICENSE ISSUED TO CERTAIN FEDERAL AND STATE |
|
JUDGES AND SPOUSES |
|
SECTION 13.01. Section 521.001, Transportation Code, is |
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amended by adding Subdivisions (3-a) and (8-a) to read as follows: |
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(3-a) "Federal judge" means: |
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(A) a judge of a United States court of appeals; |
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(B) a judge of a United States district court; |
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(C) a judge of a United States bankruptcy court; |
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or |
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(D) a magistrate judge of a United States |
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district court. |
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(8-a) "State judge" means: |
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(A) the judge of an appellate court, a district |
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court, or a county court at law of this state; or |
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(B) an associate judge appointed under Chapter |
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201, Family Code. |
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SECTION 13.02. Sections 521.054(a) and (b), Transportation |
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Code, are amended to read as follows: |
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(a) This section applies to a person who: |
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(1) after applying for or being issued a [the] license |
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or certificate moves to a new residence [from the] address [stated
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in the person's application for a license or certificate]; |
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(2) has used the procedure under Section 521.121(d) |
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and whose status as a federal judge, a state judge, or the spouse of |
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a federal or state judge becomes inapplicable [moves from the
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address shown on the license or certificate held by the person]; or |
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(3) changes the person's name by marriage or |
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otherwise. |
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(b) A person subject to this section shall notify the |
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department of the change not later than the 30th day after the date |
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on which the change takes effect and apply for a duplicate license |
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or certificate as provided by Section 521.146. The duplicate |
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license must include the person's current residence address. |
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SECTION 13.03. Section 521.121, Transportation Code, is |
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amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d) to |
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read as follows: |
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(a) The driver's license must include: |
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(1) a distinguishing number assigned by the department |
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to the license holder; |
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(2) a color photograph of the entire face of the |
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holder; |
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(3) the full name and[,] date of birth[, and residence
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address] of the holder; [and] |
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(4) a brief description of the holder; and |
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(5) the license holder's residence address or, for a |
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license holder using the procedure under Subsection (d), the street |
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address of the courthouse in which the license holder or license |
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holder's spouse serves as a federal judge or state judge. |
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(d) The department shall establish a procedure for a federal |
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judge, a state judge, or the spouse of a federal or state judge to |
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omit the license holder's residence address on the license and to |
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include, in lieu of that address, the street address of the |
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courthouse in which the license holder or license holder's spouse |
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serves as a federal judge or state judge. In establishing the |
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procedure, the department shall require sufficient documentary |
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evidence to establish the license holder's status as a federal |
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judge, state judge, or the spouse of a federal or state judge. |
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SECTION 13.04. Section 521.142(c), Transportation Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(c) The application must state: |
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(1) the sex of the applicant; |
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(2) the residence address of the applicant, or if the |
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applicant is a federal judge, a state judge, or the spouse of a |
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federal or state judge using the procedure developed under Section |
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521.121(d), the street address of the courthouse in which the |
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applicant or the applicant's spouse serves as a federal judge or a |
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state judge; |
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(3) whether the applicant has been licensed to drive a |
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motor vehicle before; |
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(4) if previously licensed, when and by what state or |
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country; |
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(5) whether that license has been suspended or revoked |
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or a license application denied; |
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(6) the date and reason for the suspension, |
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revocation, or denial; |
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(7) whether the applicant is a citizen of the United |
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States; and |
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(8) the county of residence of the applicant. |
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ARTICLE 14. OPERATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES |
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SECTION 14.01. Section 545.413(e), Transportation Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(e) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that: |
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(1) the person possesses a written statement from a |
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licensed physician stating that for a medical reason the person |
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should not wear a safety belt; |
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(2) the person presents to the court, not later than |
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the 10th day after the date of the offense, a statement from a |
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licensed physician stating that for a medical reason the person |
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should not wear a safety belt; |
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(3) the person is employed by the United States Postal |
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Service and performing a duty for that agency that requires the |
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operator to service postal boxes from a vehicle or that requires |
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frequent entry into and exit from a vehicle; |
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(4) the person is engaged in the actual delivery of |
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newspapers from a vehicle or is performing newspaper delivery |
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duties that require frequent entry into and exit from a vehicle; |
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(5) the person is employed by a public or private |
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utility company and is engaged in the reading of meters or |
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performing a similar duty for that company requiring the operator |
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to frequently enter into and exit from a vehicle; [or] |
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(6) the [The] person is operating a commercial vehicle |
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registered as a farm vehicle under the provisions of Section |
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502.163 that does not have a gross weight, registered weight, or |
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gross weight rating of 48,000 pounds or more; or |
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(7) the person is the operator of or a passenger in a |
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vehicle used exclusively to transport solid waste and performing |
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duties that require frequent entry into and exit from the vehicle. |
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SECTION 14.02. The change in law made by this article to |
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Section 545.413(e), Transportation Code, as amended by this |
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article, applies only to an offense under Section 545.413(a) of |
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that code, regardless of whether the offense was committed before, |
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on, or after the effective date of this Act. |
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ARTICLE 15. MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY |
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SECTION 15.01. Section 601.053, Transportation Code, is |
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amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (c) to |
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read as follows: |
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(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an [An] operator |
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who does not exhibit evidence of financial responsibility under |
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Subsection (a) is presumed to have operated the vehicle in |
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violation of Section 601.051. |
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(c) Subsection (b) does not apply if the peace officer |
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determines through use of the verification program established |
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under Subchapter N that financial responsibility has been |
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established for the vehicle. |
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SECTION 15.02. Subchapter N, Chapter 601, Transportation |
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Code, as added by Chapter 1325 (H.B. 3588), Acts of the 78th |
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Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, is repealed. |
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ARTICLE 16. EFFECTIVE DATE |
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SECTION 16.01. Except as otherwise provided by this Act, |
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this Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of |
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two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by |
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Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not |
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receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes |
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effect September 1, 2009. |