By: Thompson of Harris, et al. H.B. No. 292

(Senate Sponsor - Huffman)

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 8, 2019; May 13, 2019, read first time and referred to Committee on State Affairs; May 16, 2019, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 9, Nays 0; May 16, 2019, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to inclusion of instruction on the trafficking of persons in the basic training curriculum 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 (p) to read as follows:

(p) As part of the minimum curriculum requirements, the commission shall require an officer to complete the basic education and training program on the trafficking of persons developed under Section 1701.258(a). 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. Section 1701.258(a), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) The commission by rule shall require an officer [first licensed by the commission on or after January 1, 2011,] to complete [within a reasonable time after obtaining the license] a one-time basic education and training program on the trafficking of persons. The program must:

(1) consist of at least four hours of training; and

(2) include a review of the substance of Sections 20A.02 and 43.05, Penal Code.

SECTION 3. Not later than December 1, 2019, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall adopt the rules necessary to implement Section 1701.253(p), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, and Section 1701.258(a), Occupations Code, as amended by this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.

* * * * *