83R5208 VOO-D

By: Walle H.B. No. 917

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to education and training for certain school district peace officers and school resource officers.

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

SECTION 1. The heading to Subchapter M, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER M. SCHOOL DISTRICT PEACE OFFICERS AND SCHOOL

[VISITING] RESOURCE OFFICERS [OFFICER IN PUBLIC SCHOOL]

SECTION 2. Subchapter M, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 1701.604 to read as follows:

Sec. 1701.604. EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), this section applies only to:

(1) a school district peace officer commissioned under Section 37.081, Education Code; or

(2) a school resource officer, as defined by Section 1701.601.

(b) This section does not apply to a peace officer while the peace officer is assigned to a school-sponsored event at which formal classroom instruction is not offered.

(c) A peace officer may not serve as a school district peace officer or as a school resource officer for longer than a period of 90 days unless the peace officer has completed a 24-hour or longer education and training program approved by the commission under this section, except as provided by Subsection (d), and has received a certificate under Subsection (e). This subsection applies only after the commission determines that regular and online education and training courses are available in the major regions of this state.

(d) A peace officer who has received comparable education and training through the Bexar County children's crisis intervention training program or the Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University is not required to complete the education and training program approved by the commission under this section to serve as a school district peace officer or school resource officer.

(e) The commission shall issue a professional achievement or proficiency certificate to a peace officer on successful completion of an education and training program:

(1) approved by the commission under this section; or

(2) described by Subsection (d).

(f) The commission shall appoint 14 members to a school resource curriculum committee to develop the curriculum for the education and training program under this section. The school resource curriculum committee shall be composed as follows:

(1) one representative of the Bexar County children's crisis intervention training program;

(2) one representative of the Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University;

(3) one representative of the commission;

(4) one representative of the Texas Municipal Police Association;

(5) one representative of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas;

(6) one behavior analyst certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board who has experience serving as a behavior analyst in an educational setting;

(7) one representative of the Texas Education Agency;

(8) one representative of a local mental health authority, as defined by Section 571.003, Health and Safety Code;

(9) a peace officer with certification in crisis intervention;

(10) a school district peace officer;

(11) one representative of an organization that advocates for juvenile justice;

(12) one representative of an organization that advocates for civil liberties;

(13) one representative of an organization representing parents of public school students; and

(14) one representative of the Texas School District Police Chiefs' Association.

(g) Members of the school resource curriculum committee serve terms of two years.

(h) The school resource curriculum committee shall develop the curriculum for the education and training program under this section based on the model curriculum used for the Bexar County children's crisis intervention training program and in accordance with Subsection (i). The curriculum must be approved by the commission. After developing the program, the committee may review and revise the curriculum for the program annually or as the committee determines necessary. Any revision must be approved by the commission. In carrying out its duties, the committee may use technology, including teleconferencing or videoconferencing, to eliminate travel expenses. Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the commission shall review the committee's continuation and functions and make any recommendations to the legislature concerning statutory changes regarding the committee that the commission considers appropriate.

(i) The curriculum for the education and training program under this section must incorporate learning objectives regarding:

(1) child and adolescent development and psychology;

(2) positive behavioral interventions and supports, conflict resolution techniques, and restorative justice techniques;

(3) force usage limitations, including physical restraint, and de-escalation techniques;

(4) children with disabilities or special needs, including mental or behavioral health needs; and

(5) cultural competency.

(j) The education and training program under this section may be provided:

(1) as a collaborative model within a community that:

(A) involves local stakeholders; and

(B) incorporates didactic and experiential training using the best practice model of the Bexar County children's crisis intervention training program;

(2) by a school determined appropriate for operation under Section 1701.251; or

(3) as an online training program sponsored by an online training provider if the training provider also provides training under Section 1701.251.

(k) A school district may offer additional commission-approved preparatory education or training to its school district peace officers and school resource officers.

(l) The superintendent of a school district that employs a peace officer or to which a school resource officer is assigned shall maintain on file the certification issued to the officer under Subsection (e).

(m) Notwithstanding Section 1701.351(a), the commission may not suspend the license of a peace officer solely because the peace officer fails to meet the requirements of this section.

SECTION 3. Not later than March 31, 2014, the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education shall approve the curriculum for the education and training program as required by Section 1701.604, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 4. Section 1701.604, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, applies only to a school district peace officer or school resource officer who is serving or has been assigned, appointed, commissioned, or employed by a school district to serve in that capacity on or after March 31, 2014.

SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.