84R3371 TSR-D
By: Giddings H.B. No. 579
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
1701.261. 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 1701.261 to read as follows:
Sec. 1701.261. 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 provide instruction 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) 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.
(c) Each officer who has not completed the training program
as required by Section 1701.253(l) shall complete the training
program not later than September 1, 2017.
(d) Subsection (c) and this subsection expire January 1,
2019.
SECTION 3. Section 1701.402, Occupations Code, is amended
by adding Subsection (l) to read as follows:
(l) As a requirement for an intermediate proficiency
certificate, an officer must complete the animal encounter training
program established by the commission under Section 1701.261.
SECTION 4. Not later than January 1, 2016, the Texas
Commission on Law Enforcement shall adopt the rules necessary to
establish the animal encounter training program as required by
Section 1701.261, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.