87R339 JCG-D
By: Collier H.B. No. 313
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the requirements for certification as a special officer
for offenders with mental impairments.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 1701.404(b), Occupations Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(b) The commission may certify a sheriff, sheriff's deputy,
constable, other peace officer, county jailer, or justice of the
peace as a special officer for offenders with mental impairments if
the person:
(1) completes a training course in emergency first aid
and lifesaving techniques approved by the commission;
(2) completes a training course administered by the
commission on mental health issues and offenders with mental
impairments;
(3) completes the training program established under
Section 1701.264 on acquired and traumatic brain injuries;
(4) completes the training program established under
Section 1701.265 on veterans with combat-related trauma,
post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, or a
traumatic brain injury; and
(5) [(3)] passes an examination administered by the
commission that is designed to test the person's:
(A) knowledge and recognition of a person with
the characteristics and symptoms of mental illness or an
intellectual or developmental disability[, mental retardation, and
mental disabilities]; and
(B) knowledge of mental health crisis
intervention strategies for people with mental impairments.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall:
(1) adopt rules necessary to implement Sections
1701.404(b)(3) and (4), Occupations Code, as added by this Act; and
(2) modify as necessary the examination required under
Section 1701.404(b)(5), Occupations Code, as amended by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.