By: Whitmire S.B. No. 1775

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the Texas Rangers' unsolved crimes investigation team.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. The heading to Subchapter J, Chapter 411, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER J. UNSOLVED CRIMES INVESTIGATION PROGRAM [TEAM]

SECTION 2. Section 411.262, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 411.262. UNSOLVED CRIMES INVESTIGATION PROGRAM [TEAM]. (a) The unsolved crimes investigation program [team] is an investigative program [investigatory unit] within the department.

(b) The program is a function [team will be located at the headquarters] of the Texas Rangers [in Austin, Texas,] and will be commanded by the chief of the Texas Rangers.

(c) The director may employ commissioned peace officers and noncommissioned employees to perform duties required of the program [team].

(d) To be eligible for employment under this section, a peace officer must be a sergeant or higher-ranked officer of the Texas Rangers and must have [not less than four years of experience as a peace officer and:

[(1) a degree from an accredited institution of higher education in law, accounting, or computer science; or

[(2)] two or more years of experience in the investigation of homicides or other major felonies.

(e) To be eligible for employment under this section, a noncommissioned employee must meet the experience, training, and educational qualifications set by the director as requirements for investigating or assisting in the investigation of an unsolved crime.

SECTION 3. Section 411.263, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 411.263. ASSISTANCE ON REQUEST. On the request of an attorney representing the state and with the approval of the director, employees of the unsolved crimes investigation program [team] of the department may assist local law enforcement in the investigation of crime.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009.