BILL ANALYSIS
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Senate Research Center |
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AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
H.B. 872 authorizes the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to reactivate a former peace officer's license after a break in employment if the former officer has at least 10 years' service in good standing before the break, meets current licensing standards, successfully completes a course online or in person of at least 120 hours, an in-person training of not more than 40 hours, passes a peace officer reactivation examination, files an application, and pays any required fees.
• Current requirements create a barrier for former experienced officers to re-enter the law enforcement field after a period of alternative employment. Reducing these requirements may encourage these individuals to re-enter the field and provide a new source of qualified officers to keep Texas communities secure.
• The reduced requirements provided by H.B. 872 ensure that the individual meets current standards and is qualified to serve as a peace officer.
H.B. 872 amends current law relating to the reactivation of a peace officer license and authorizes fees.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 1701.316, Occupations Code, by adding Subsection (c), as follows:
(c) Requires the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to reactivate a peace officer's license after a break in employment if the former license holder:
(1) completed at least 10 years of full-time service as a peace officer in good standing before the break in employment;
(2) meets current licensing standards;
(3) successfully completes:
(A) an online or in-person supplemental peace officer course of not more than 120 hours; and
(B) other in-person training requirements of not more than 40 hours;
(4) passes a peace officer reactivation examination;
(5) files an application; and
(6) pays any required fees.
SECTION 2. Provides that Section 1701.316(c), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, applies only to a license for which an application for reactivation of the license is filed on or after the effective date of this Act. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2015.