86R8677 SRA-D
 
  By: Cortez H.B. No. 2584
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the authority of a code enforcement officer performing
  official duties to possess or carry an instrument used for
  deterring an animal bite.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 46.15, Penal Code, is amended by adding
  Subsection (h) to read as follows:
         (h)  The provisions of Sections 46.02 and 46.03 prohibiting
  the possession or carrying of a club do not apply to a code
  enforcement officer who:
               (1)  holds a certificate of registration issued under
  Chapter 1952, Occupations Code; and
               (2)  possesses or carries an instrument used
  specifically for deterring an animal bite while the officer is:
                     (A)  performing official duties; or
                     (B)  traveling to or from a place of duty.
         SECTION 2.  Section 1952.051, Occupations Code, is amended
  by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
         (c)  The education requirements adopted under Subsection (b)
  must include education regarding the principles and procedures to
  be followed when possessing or carrying an instrument used
  specifically for deterring an animal bite.
         SECTION 3.  Section 1952.1051, Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 1952.1051.  CONTINUING EDUCATION. The commission by
  rule shall prescribe continuing education requirements for code
  enforcement officers and code enforcement officers in training
  that:
               (1)  establish the number of hours of continuing
  education required for renewal of a certificate of registration;
               (2)  establish an approved curriculum that includes
  material regarding changes in applicable law and the principles and
  procedures to be followed when possessing or carrying an instrument
  used specifically for deterring an animal bite; and
               (3)  provide that the approved curriculum may be taught
  by suitable public agencies and by private entities approved by the
  department.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.