81R2513 JSC-D
By: Alonzo H.B. No. 243
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to equipping each K-9 law enforcement vehicle with a heat
alarm system.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 821, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 821.005 to read as follows:
Sec. 821.005. HEAT ALARM SYSTEM IN K-9 LAW ENFORCEMENT
VEHICLES. (a) In this section, "law enforcement agency" means:
(1) the Department of Public Safety;
(2) the sheriff's department of a county; or
(3) the police department of a municipality.
(b) A law enforcement agency shall equip each vehicle used
in a K-9 law enforcement program with a heat alarm system that is
activated when the vehicle stops running or the temperature in the
vehicle's interior becomes dangerous to a police dog in the
vehicle. The system when activated must:
(1) activate an audible alarm;
(2) automatically lower the vehicle's rear windows;
and
(3) page the K-9 law enforcement officer.
(c) A law enforcement agency that implements a K-9 law
enforcement program must comply with this section not later than
one year after the date the program begins operation.
(d) This section does not apply to an open-air vehicle used
in connection with a K-9 law enforcement program.
SECTION 2. A law enforcement agency required to equip a
vehicle with a heat alarm system as required by Section 821.005,
Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, is not required to
comply with that section before January 1, 2011.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.