Texas House Bill HB2870

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/23/09

Caption

Relating to the requirement that certain state and local governmental entities designate a firearms proficiency officer and require weapons proficiency.

Impact

The introduction of HB 2870 will standardize training requirements for peace officers across various state and local law enforcement agencies, promoting improved training protocols and a focus on safety and skill in firearm handling. Agencies affected by this legislation must designate a firearms proficiency officer by March 1, 2010, ensuring that the proficiency evaluations are not only performed but also properly recorded, enhancing accountability within law enforcement organizations.

Summary

House Bill 2870 mandates that certain state and local governmental entities designate a firearms proficiency officer responsible for overseeing weapons proficiency for peace officers. According to the bill, any agency employing peace officers must have this designated officer ensure that every peace officer within the agency demonstrates their weapons proficiency at least once a year. Agencies must maintain records of these proficiency assessments to comply with the new requirement.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance safety and operational standards in law enforcement, there are potential points of contention regarding local versus state control over police training standards. Some may argue that the requirement to appoint a firearms proficiency officer could lead to increased administrative burdens on smaller law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, there could be concerns about the costs associated with implementing and maintaining the new training standards, particularly for agencies with limited resources.