Relating to the applicability of the law on the consequences of a criminal conviction to law enforcement officer license holders and applicants.
Impact
The bill, once enacted, will likely impact the procedures and criteria for the licensing and continued employment of law enforcement officers. It aims to foster higher accountability standards within agencies by aligning licensing qualifications and disciplinary actions with broader occupational regulations. This change is expected to enhance the overall integrity of law enforcement operations in Texas.
Summary
House Bill 1402 addresses the implications of criminal convictions for law enforcement officers and applicants for licensure in Texas. The bill amends the Occupations Code to clarify the applicability of certain legal standards and penalties associated with criminal convictions specifically for peace officers. Its intent is to ensure that law enforcement agents are subject to the same standards of accountability as other professionals, thereby promoting ethical conduct and trust in public service roles.
Contention
Discussion around HB 1402 may highlight various points of contention, particularly concerning the balance between a law enforcement officer's rights and the necessity for maintaining public trust. Critics might argue that additional scrutiny on licensure could deter capable candidates from entering the profession, while supporters will maintain that such regulations are critical for ensuring that those entrusted with law enforcement responsibilities are held to high ethical standards.
Relating to the applicability of certain laws regarding the occupational licensing of individuals with criminal convictions to the licensing of certain long-term health care facility personnel.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and law enforcement agencies regarding law enforcement officers and the use of body worn cameras; authorizing fees.
Relating to interactions between law enforcement and individuals detained or arrested on suspicion of the commission of criminal offenses, witnesses to the commission of those offenses, and other members of the public, to peace officer liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.
Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.