By: Thompson of Harris, Reynolds, H.B. No. 831
A. Johnson of Harris, Wu, Collier,
et al.
Substitute the following for H.B.
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the basic peace officer training course, including
training for peace officers on the prohibition against the
intentional use of certain neck restraints.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter F, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 1701.2551 to read as follows:
Sec. 1701.2551. BASIC PEACE OFFICER TRAINING COURSE;
PROHIBITED USE OF CERTAIN RESTRAINTS. (a) The basic peace officer
training course required as part of a peace officer training
program under Section 1701.251(a) may be no less than 720 hours.
(b) The basic peace officer training course must include
training on the prohibition against the intentional use of a choke
hold, carotid artery hold, or similar neck restraint by a peace
officer in searching or arresting a person, unless the officer
reasonably believes the restraint is necessary to prevent serious
bodily injury to or the death of the peace officer or another
person.
SECTION 2. (a) Not later than January 1, 2022, the Texas
Commission on Law Enforcement shall modify the curriculum of the
basic peace officer training course as necessary to comply with
Section 1701.2551, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.
(b) The minimum hour and content requirements for the basic
peace officer training course under Section 1701.2551, Occupations
Code, as added by this Act, apply only to a person who first begins
the course on or after July 1, 2022.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.