BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 533
	By: Paxton
	Criminal Justice
	6/29/2023
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Last session in response to a tragic incident in the senator's district in which an infant was found deceased at an in-home daycare, Senator Paxton filed and passed S.B. 225 known as Ellie's Law.  This bill is a follow-up to that bill as it was one of the suggestions from the affected family.

S.B. 533 requires the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) to require a training program within basic peace officer training regarding responding to and investigating child fatalities including:

1. The differences between sudden unexpected infant death and sudden infant death syndrome; and

2. Relevant regulation applicable to child-care facilities

The goal is to help ensure that police officers have the information needed when responding to infant-related deaths.

S.B. 533 amends Section 1701.253, Occupations Code.

� TCOLE shall require an officer to complete a training program on responding to and investigating child fatalities, including:

� the protocols for reporting and investigating child fatalities developed under Subchapter F, Chapter 24, Family Code

� the differences between sudden unexpected infant death and sudden infant death syndrome

� the relevant regulations applicable to child-care facilities

� An officer shall complete the program by the second anniversary of the officer's date of licensure, unless the officer completes the program as part of the officer's basic training course.

� TCOLE shall establish this training program by January 1, 2024.

� This training requirement only applies to a person who submits a peace officer license application on or after January 1, 2024.

� Effective September 1, 2023.

S.B. 533 amends current law relating to training for peace officers on responding to and investigating child fatalities.

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 1701.253, Occupations Code, by adding Subsection (q), as follows:

(q) Requires the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), as part of the minimum curriculum requirements, to require an officer to complete a training program on responding to and investigating child fatalities, including the protocols for reporting and investigating child fatalities developed under Subchapter F (Child Fatality Review and Investigation), Chapter 264, Family Code, the differences between sudden unexpected infant death and sudden infant death syndrome, and the relevant regulations applicable to child-care facilities. Requires an officer to complete the program not later than the second anniversary of the date the officer is licensed under Chapter 1701 (Law Enforcement Officers) unless the officer completes the program as part of the officer's basic training course.

SECTION 2. Requires TCOLE, not later than January 1, 2024, to establish the training program required by Section 1701.253(q), Occupations Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. Makes application of Section 1701.253(q), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, prospective to January 1, 2024.

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2023.