87R339 JCG-D
 
  By: Collier H.B. No. 313
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the requirements for certification as a special officer
  for offenders with mental impairments.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 1701.404(b), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  The commission may certify a sheriff, sheriff's deputy,
  constable, other peace officer, county jailer, or justice of the
  peace as a special officer for offenders with mental impairments if
  the person:
               (1)  completes a training course in emergency first aid
  and lifesaving techniques approved by the commission;
               (2)  completes a training course administered by the
  commission on mental health issues and offenders with mental
  impairments;
               (3)  completes the training program established under
  Section 1701.264 on acquired and traumatic brain injuries;
               (4)  completes the training program established under
  Section 1701.265 on veterans with combat-related trauma,
  post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, or a
  traumatic brain injury; and
               (5) [(3)]  passes an examination administered by the
  commission that is designed to test the person's:
                     (A)  knowledge and recognition of a person with
  the characteristics and symptoms of mental illness or an
  intellectual or developmental disability[, mental retardation, and
  mental disabilities]; and
                     (B)  knowledge of mental health crisis
  intervention strategies for people with mental impairments.
         SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable after the effective date
  of this Act, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall:
               (1)  adopt rules necessary to implement Sections
  1701.404(b)(3) and (4), Occupations Code, as added by this Act; and
               (2)  modify as necessary the examination required under
  Section 1701.404(b)(5), Occupations Code, as amended by this Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.