By: Collier, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Whitmire) H.B. No. 593

(In the Senate - Received from the House April 21, 2015; April 23, 2015, read first time and referred to Committee on Criminal Justice; April 29, 2015, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 6, Nays 0; April 29, 2015, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to canine encounter training for peace officers.

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

SECTION 1. Section 1701.253, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsection (l) to read as follows:

(l) As part of the minimum curriculum requirements, the commission shall require an officer licensed by the commission on or after January 1, 2016, to complete a canine encounter training program established by the commission under Section 1701.261. An officer shall complete the program not later than the second anniversary of the date the officer is licensed under this chapter unless the officer completes the program as part of the officer's basic training course.

SECTION 2. Subchapter F, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 1701.261 to read as follows:

Sec. 1701.261. CANINE ENCOUNTER TRAINING PROGRAM. (a) The commission shall establish a statewide comprehensive education and training program on canine encounters and canine behavior. The training program must consist of at least four hours of classroom instruction and practical training, developed and approved by the commission, that addresses:

(1) handling canine-related calls, anticipating unplanned encounters with canines, and using humane methods and tools in handling canine encounters;

(2) recognizing and understanding canine behavior;

(3) state laws related to canines;

(4) canine conflict avoidance and de-escalation;

(5) use of force continuum principles in relation to canines;

(6) using nonlethal methods, tools, and resources to avoid and defend against a canine attack; and

(7) a general overview of encounters with other animals.

(b) At least once every four years, the commission shall review the content of the training program under this section and update the program as necessary.

(c) Notwithstanding Sections 1701.253(l) and 1701.402(l), an officer who has completed at least four hours of a canine encounter training program is not required to complete the program under this section.

SECTION 3. Section 1701.402, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsection (l) to read as follows:

(l) As a requirement for an intermediate or advanced proficiency certificate issued by the commission on or after January 1, 2016, an officer must complete the canine encounter training program established by the commission under Section 1701.261.

SECTION 4. Not later than January 1, 2016, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall establish the canine encounter training program as required by Section 1701.261, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 5. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, an officer employed by a county with a population of less than 125,000 is not required to comply with Sections 1701.253(l) and 1701.402(l), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, before January 1, 2017.

SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.

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