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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the requirements for certification as a special officer |
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for offenders with mental impairments. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 1701.404(b), Occupations Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(b) The commission may certify a sheriff, sheriff's deputy, |
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constable, other peace officer, county jailer, or justice of the |
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peace as a special officer for offenders with mental impairments if |
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the person: |
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(1) completes a training course in emergency first aid |
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and lifesaving techniques approved by the commission; |
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(2) completes a training course administered by the |
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commission on mental health issues and offenders with mental |
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impairments; |
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(3) completes the training program established under |
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Section 1701.264 on acquired and traumatic brain injuries; |
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(4) completes the training program established under |
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Section 1701.265 on veterans with combat-related trauma, |
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post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, or a |
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traumatic brain injury; and |
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(5) [(3)] passes an examination administered by the |
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commission that is designed to test the person's: |
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(A) knowledge and recognition of a person with |
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the characteristics and symptoms of mental illness or an |
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intellectual or developmental disability[, mental retardation, and |
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mental disabilities]; and |
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(B) knowledge of mental health crisis |
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intervention strategies for people with mental impairments. |
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SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date |
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of this Act, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall: |
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(1) adopt rules necessary to implement Sections |
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1701.404(b)(3) and (4), Occupations Code, as added by this Act; and |
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(2) modify as necessary the examination required under |
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Section 1701.404(b)(5), Occupations Code, as amended by this Act. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |