By: Collier, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Whitmire) H.B. No. 593
(In the Senate - Received from the House April 21, 2015;
April 23, 2015, read first time and referred to Committee on
Criminal Justice; April 29, 2015, reported favorably by the
following vote: Yeas 6, Nays 0; April 29, 2015, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to canine 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 licensed by the commission on
or after January 1, 2016, to complete a canine 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
unless the officer completes the program as part of the officer's
basic training course.
SECTION 2. Subchapter F, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 1701.261 to read as follows:
Sec. 1701.261. CANINE ENCOUNTER TRAINING PROGRAM. (a) The
commission shall establish a statewide comprehensive education and
training program on canine encounters and canine behavior. The
training program must consist of at least four hours of classroom
instruction and practical training, developed and approved by the
commission, that addresses:
(1) handling canine-related calls, anticipating
unplanned encounters with canines, and using humane methods and
tools in handling canine encounters;
(2) recognizing and understanding canine behavior;
(3) state laws related to canines;
(4) canine conflict avoidance and de-escalation;
(5) use of force continuum principles in relation to
canines;
(6) using nonlethal methods, tools, and resources to
avoid and defend against a canine attack; and
(7) a general overview of encounters with other
animals.
(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) Notwithstanding Sections 1701.253(l) and 1701.402(l),
an officer who has completed at least four hours of a canine
encounter training program is not required to complete the program
under this section.
SECTION 3. Section 1701.402, Occupations Code, is amended
by adding Subsection (l) to read as follows:
(l) As a requirement for an intermediate or advanced
proficiency certificate issued by the commission on or after
January 1, 2016, an officer must complete the canine 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 establish the canine encounter
training program as required by Section 1701.261, Occupations Code,
as added by this Act.
SECTION 5. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act,
an officer employed by a county with a population of less than
125,000 is not required to comply with Sections 1701.253(l) and
1701.402(l), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, before January
1, 2017.
SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.
* * * * *