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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the authority of a county to commission certain |
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individuals as peace officers and establish certain law enforcement |
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agencies. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 352, Local Government |
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Code, is amended by adding Section 352.024 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 352.024. AUTHORITY TO COMMISSION CERTAIN FIRE |
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PROTECTION OFFICERS AS PEACE OFFICERS. (a) A county may commission |
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a fire marshal, fire officer, fire inspector, or fire investigator |
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as a peace officer. |
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(b) A peace officer commissioned under this section may: |
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(1) administer this chapter; |
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(2) support fire-related operations or |
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investigations; |
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(3) enforce building-related codes, including codes |
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involving hazardous materials; and |
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(4) make recommendations involving building safety. |
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(c) A peace officer commissioned under this section may not |
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enforce violations of Subtitle C, Title 7, Transportation Code, |
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except as related to the enforcement of this chapter or as |
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authorized by Article 14.03, Code of Criminal Procedure. |
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SECTION 2. Chapter 362, Local Government Code, is amended |
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by adding Section 362.006 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 362.006. ESTABLISHMENT OF CERTAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT |
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AGENCIES. A county may establish a law enforcement agency only if |
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authorized by the constitution or other law. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |