81R9935 JSC-F
By: Driver H.B. No. 2093
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the certification of a county jailer 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, Occupations Code, is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 1701.404. CERTIFICATION OF OFFICERS FOR MENTAL HEALTH
ASSIGNMENTS. (a) The commission by rule may establish minimum
requirements for the training, testing, and certification of
special officers for offenders with mental impairments.
(b) The commission may certify a sheriff, sheriff's deputy,
constable, [or] other peace officer, county jailer, or [a] justice
of the peace[,] as a special officer for offenders with mental
impairments if the person [officer]:
(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; and
(3) passes an examination administered by the
commission that is designed to test the person's [officer's]:
(A) knowledge and recognition of the
characteristics and symptoms of mental illness, mental
retardation, and mental disabilities; and
(B) knowledge of mental health crisis
intervention strategies for people with mental impairments.
(c) The commission may issue a professional achievement or
proficiency certificate to an officer, county jailer, or justice of
the peace who meets the requirements of Subsection (b).
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.