Texas 2019 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB684 Introduced / Bill

Filed 02/07/2019

                    86R7702 SCL-D
 By: Flores S.B. No. 684


 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 AN ACT
 relating to the authority of a code enforcement officer to possess
 or carry an instrument used for deterring an animal bite.
 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 an animal bite 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, 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 for
 a code enforcement officer to follow when possessing or carrying an
 instrument used specifically for deterring an animal bite.
 SECTION 3.  Section 1952.1051, Occupations Code, 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 follow when possessing or carrying an instrument used
 specifically for deterring an animal bite; 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, 2019.