By: Uresti S.B. No. 772
(Uresti)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the authority of a code enforcement officer when
performing official duties to possess or carry an instrument used
for deterring the bite of an animal.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 46.15, Penal Code, is amended by adding
Subsection (h) to read as follows:
(h) The provisions of Sections 46.02 and 46.03 prohibiting
the possession or carrying of a club do not apply to a code
enforcement officer who:
(1) holds a certificate of registration issued under
Chapter 1952, Occupations Code; and
(2) possesses or carries an instrument used
specifically for deterring the bite of an animal while the officer
is:
(A) performing official duties; or
(B) traveling to or from a place of duty.
SECTION 2. Section 1952.051, Occupations Code, as effective
September 1, 2017, is amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as
follows:
(c) The education requirements adopted under Subsection (b)
must include education regarding the principles and procedures to
be followed when possessing or carrying an instrument used
specifically for deterring the bite of an animal.
SECTION 3. Section 1952.1051, Occupations Code, as
effective September 1, 2017, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 1952.1051. CONTINUING EDUCATION. The commission by
rule shall prescribe continuing education requirements for code
enforcement officers and code enforcement officers in training
that:
(1) establish the number of hours of continuing
education required for renewal of a certificate of registration;
(2) establish an approved curriculum that includes
material regarding changes in applicable law and the principles and
procedures to be followed when possessing or carrying an instrument
used specifically for deterring the bite of an animal; and
(3) provide that the approved curriculum may be taught
by suitable public agencies and by private entities approved by the
department.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.