84R4386 TSR-F
By: Collier H.B. No. 593
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. The training
program required under this subsection may not be provided as an
online course.
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 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) At least once every four years, the commission shall
review the content of the training program under this section and
update the program as necessary.
(c) Except as provided by Section 1701.352(b-1), an officer
who completes the training program established under this section
is not required to retake the program.
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 1701.261 at least once every 48 months. The training
program required under this subsection may be provided as an online
continuing education course.
SECTION 4. 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. The
training program required under this subsection may not be provided
as an online course.
SECTION 5. Not later than January 1, 2016, the Texas
Commission on Law Enforcement shall establish the animal encounter
training program as required by Section 1701.261, Occupations Code,
as added by this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.