Texas Senate Bill SB244

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 12/2/10
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/7/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/17/11
• Refer: 1/31/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/7/11
• Report Pass: 3/7/11
• Voted on by House: 5/25/11
• Engrossed: 3/17/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 3/29/11
• Report Pass: 5/3/11
• Enrolled: 5/26/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the continuing education requirements for certain peace officers.

Impact

The enactment of SB244 will effectively broaden the scope of continuing education for peace officers, thereby fostering a more informed and capable leadership within law enforcement agencies. By introducing a specific educational pathway for command staff, it aligns the training requirements of these officers with those of police chiefs, thereby enhancing overall operational effectiveness. This move is particularly vital for adapting to evolving law enforcement challenges and improving the management of police departments.

Summary

SB244 proposes amendments to the Education Code and Occupations Code of Texas, focusing on enhancing the continuing education requirements for certain peace officers, specifically targeting those holding command staff positions. The bill intends to establish a dedicated continuing education program for command staff second in command to police chiefs, ensuring that they receive training at a level comparable to police chiefs. This provision aims to ensure better preparedness and competency among law enforcement leaders.

Contention

While the bill was largely seen as a positive step towards professional development within law enforcement, there may be discussions regarding the implementation of such programs and the associated costs. The expectation of additional funding and resources to support these educational initiatives could be points of contention among lawmakers. Furthermore, ensuring that such programs are accessible and effectively address the real needs of the officers involved will be essential to the bill's success.