83R9526 MAW-D
By: Davis S.B. No. 1358
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to animal encounter training for peace officers.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 1701.253, Occupations Code, is amended
by adding Subsection (l) to read as follows:
(l) As part of the minimum curriculum requirements, the
commission shall require an officer to complete an animal encounter
training program established by the commission under Section
1701.2531. An officer shall complete the program not later than
the second anniversary of the date the officer is licensed under
this chapter or the date the officer applies for an intermediate
proficiency certificate, whichever date is earlier.
SECTION 2. Subchapter F, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 1701.2531 to read as follows:
Sec. 1701.2531. ANIMAL ENCOUNTER TRAINING PROGRAM. (a)
The commission shall establish a statewide comprehensive education
and training program on animal encounters and animal behavior. The
training program must consist of at least eight hours of classroom
instruction and practical training, and may include the use of live
animals in:
(1) handling animal-related calls or unplanned
encounters with animals, with an emphasis on canine-related
incidents and the use of nonlethal methods and tools in handling an
encounter;
(2) identifying and understanding animal behavior;
(3) laws and ordinances related to animals;
(4) avoiding an animal attack; and
(5) using nonlethal methods to defend against an
animal attack.
(b) The training program may not be provided as an online
course.
(c) At least once every three years, the commission shall
review the content of the training program under this section and
update the program as necessary.
SECTION 3. Section 1701.352, Occupations Code, is amended
by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
(b-1) The commission shall require each officer to complete
the animal encounter training program established by the commission
under Section 1701.2531 at least once every 36 months.
SECTION 4. Section 1701.402, Occupations Code, is amended
by adding Subsection (k) to read as follows:
(k) As a requirement for an intermediate proficiency
certificate, an officer must complete the animal encounter training
program established by the commission under Section 1701.2531.
SECTION 5. Not later than January 1, 2014, the Commission on
Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education shall establish the
animal encounter training program as required by Section 1701.2531,
Occupations Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.