83R9196 KSD-D By: Munoz, Jr. H.B. No. 2883 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the establishment of a regional center for public safety excellence in the Rio Grande Valley. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter F, Chapter 130, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 130.093 to read as follows: Sec. 130.093. REGIONAL CENTER FOR PUBLIC SAFETY EXCELLENCE. (a) In this section: (1) "Commission" means the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. (2) "Regional center" means the regional center for public safety excellence established under this section. (b) The regional center for public safety excellence is established to develop and provide initial and continuing education and training, including education and training leading toward an associate of applied science degree and basic peace officer certification, for law enforcement personnel in the Rio Grande Valley. (c) South Texas College shall administer the regional center in partnership with political subdivisions and participating school districts in the Rio Grande Valley. The headquarters of the regional center are located at South Texas College in Pharr, Texas. The regional center may use property and facilities at other locations in Hidalgo County. (d) In developing its training programs and courses, the regional center shall ensure that the program or course curriculum satisfies any requirements imposed by the commission under Subchapter F, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, for the regional center to operate as a commission-approved training provider under that chapter. (e) The commission may authorize reimbursement for a political subdivision or state agency for expenses incurred in attendance by personnel of the entity at a training program offered by the regional center. (f) The regional center may solicit and accept gifts and grants from any public or private source for purposes of this section. The legislature may appropriate money for purposes of this section. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2013.