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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the authority of a code enforcement officer when |
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performing official duties to possess or carry an instrument used |
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for deterring the bite of an animal. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 46.15, Penal Code, is amended by adding |
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Subsection (h) to read as follows: |
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(h) The provisions of Sections 46.02 and 46.03 prohibiting |
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the possession or carrying of a club do not apply to a code |
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enforcement officer who: |
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(1) holds a certificate of registration issued under |
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Chapter 1952, Occupations Code; and |
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(2) possesses or carries an instrument used |
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specifically for deterring the bite of an animal while the officer |
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is: |
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(A) performing official duties; or |
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(B) traveling to or from a place of duty. |
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SECTION 2. Section 1952.051, Occupations Code, as effective |
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September 1, 2017, is amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as |
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follows: |
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(c) The education requirements adopted under Subsection (b) |
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must include education regarding the principles and procedures to |
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be followed when possessing or carrying an instrument used |
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specifically for deterring the bite of an animal. |
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SECTION 3. Section 1952.1051, Occupations Code, as |
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effective September 1, 2017, is amended to read as follows: |
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Sec. 1952.1051. CONTINUING EDUCATION. The commission by |
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rule shall prescribe continuing education requirements for code |
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enforcement officers and code enforcement officers in training |
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that: |
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(1) establish the number of hours of continuing |
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education required for renewal of a certificate of registration; |
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(2) establish an approved curriculum that includes |
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material regarding changes in applicable law and the principles and |
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procedures to be followed when possessing or carrying an instrument |
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used specifically for deterring the bite of an animal; and |
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(3) provide that the approved curriculum may be taught |
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by suitable public agencies and by private entities approved by the |
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department. |
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SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. |