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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to child and adolescent interaction education and training |
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for certain peace and reserve law enforcement officers. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 1701.253, Occupations Code, is amended |
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by adding Subsections (m) and (n) to read as follows: |
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(m) As part of the minimum curriculum requirements, the |
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commission shall require an officer to complete a statewide |
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education and training program on techniques to facilitate |
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interaction with children, adolescents, and teenagers, including |
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training on: |
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(1) youth development and psychology; |
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(2) positive behavioral interventions and supports, |
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conflict resolution techniques, and restorative justice |
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techniques; and |
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(3) children with disabilities or special needs, |
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including mental or behavioral health needs. |
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(n) An officer shall complete the program under Subsection |
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(m) not later than the second anniversary of the date the officer is |
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licensed under this chapter or the date the officer applies for an |
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intermediate proficiency certificate, whichever date is earlier. |
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SECTION 2. Section 1701.402, Occupations Code, is amended |
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by adding Subsection (m) to read as follows: |
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(m) As a requirement for an intermediate or advanced |
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proficiency certificate, an officer must complete an education and |
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training program on techniques to facilitate interaction with |
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children, adolescents, and teenagers under Section 1701.253(m). |
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SECTION 3. Not later than March 31, 2016, the Texas |
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Commission on Law Enforcement shall approve the curriculum for the |
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education and training program described by Section 1701.253(m), |
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Occupations Code, as added by this Act. |
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SECTION 4. Notwithstanding Section 1701.253(n), |
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Occupations Code, as added by this Act, an officer licensed under |
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Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, on the effective date of this Act |
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must complete the education and training program described by |
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Section 1701.253(m), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, not |
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later than March 31, 2018, as a condition for continuing to hold the |
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license. |
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SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015. |