84R2126 KKA-D
 
  By: Dukes H.B. No. 3979
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to restrictions on the use of certain sprays, stun guns,
  and Tasers against public school students.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 37, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 37.0813 to read as follows:
         Sec. 37.0813.  RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF OC SPRAY, STUN GUN, OR
  TASER AGAINST STUDENTS. (a) In this section:
               (1)  "OC spray" means any aerosol-propelled
  debilitation device that is composed of a lachrymatory chemical
  compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, or temporary
  blindness. The term includes pepper spray, capsicum spray, OC gas,
  and oleoresin capsicum.  The term also includes a device that
  delivers the specified chemical compound in a foam or gel form.
               (2)  "Stun gun" has the meaning assigned by Section
  38.14, Penal Code.
               (3)  "Taser" means a device manufactured, sold, or
  distributed by Taser International, Incorporated, that is
  intended, designed, made, or adapted to incapacitate a person by
  inflicting an electrical charge through the emission of a
  projectile or conductive stream. The term, for purposes of this
  section, includes a similar device manufactured, sold, or
  distributed by another person.
         (b)  The use of OC spray, a Taser, or a stun gun to subdue one
  or more students on school property or while attending a
  school-sponsored or school-related activity off of school property
  is permitted only in accordance with this section.
         (c)  OC spray, a Taser, or a stun gun may be used as permitted
  by this section only after other methods of intervention with less
  potential for harm have been used unsuccessfully, including verbal
  commands and reasonable physical force.
         (d)  OC spray may be used only during a riot or when three or
  more students pose an imminent risk of causing bodily injury to
  another student, a peace officer, or other person.
         (e)  A Taser or stun gun may be used only to prevent loss of
  life or subdue a student who possesses a weapon.
         (f)  OC spray, a Taser, or a stun gun may not be used as a form
  of punishment or to protect property.
         (g)  To the greatest extent feasible in circumstances in
  which the use of OC spray is permitted under this section, a foam or
  gel form of OC spray shall be used to lessen the risk of unintended
  exposure of other students and persons to the OC spray.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.