BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

H.B. 2154

88R5734 SCP-F

By: Morales, Eddie (Flores)

 

Criminal Justice

 

5/12/2023

 

Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

State law currently requires certain law enforcement agencies to adopt physical fitness programs. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is currently not included among these agencies.  

 

H.B. 2154 seeks to allow for the office to create a program that benefits the physical and emotional well-being of the commissioned officers while providing reasonable assurance that officers and employees can perform law enforcement job functions.

 

Bill Provisions:

 

This proposed change would enable OAG, like other state law enforcement agencies, to award fitness leave to commissioned officers for their PRT performance. If OAG is included in the definition of "law enforcement agency" in Section 614.171,� Government Code, their commissioned peace officers would squarely fall under Section 614.172, Government Code, "Physical Fitness Programs and Standards."

 

Fiscal Impact:

 

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

 

Support:

CLEAT

Houston POU

San Antonio POU

Texas Municipal Police Association

Texas Attorney General Police Officer Association

 

H.B. 2154 amends current law relating to the adoption of physical fitness programs and standards for law enforcement officers employed by the office of the attorney general.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Section 614.171(1), Government Code, to provide that "law enforcement agency" means the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the office of the attorney general. Makes a nonsubstantive change.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.