84R350 JXC/KEL-D

By: Sheffield H.B. No. 1916

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the enforcement of certain local traffic laws on the campus of a public or private institution of higher education.

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

SECTION 1. Section 51.203(b), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) Within a peace officer's primary jurisdiction, a peace officer commissioned under this section:

(1) is vested with all the powers, privileges, and immunities of peace officers;

(2) may, in accordance with Chapter 14, Code of Criminal Procedure, arrest without a warrant any person who violates a law of the state; and

(3) may enforce all traffic laws on streets and highways, including a municipal traffic ordinance relating to the use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.

SECTION 2. Section 51.212(a), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) The governing boards of private institutions of higher education, including private junior colleges, are authorized to employ and commission peace officers for the purpose of enforcing:

(1) with respect to [state law on] the campuses of private institutions of higher education:

(A) state law; and

(B) a municipal traffic ordinance relating to the use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle; and

(2) state and local law, including applicable municipal ordinances, at other locations, as permitted by Subsection (b) or Section 51.2125.

SECTION 3. 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, 2015.