88R1678 DRS-D
By: Cortez, et al. H.B. No. 278
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to hiring and licensing certain veterans as peace
officers.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The heading to Chapter 370, Local Government
Code, is amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 370. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO [MUNICIPAL AND
COUNTY] HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY OF MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF LOCAL
GOVERNMENT
SECTION 2. Chapter 370, Local Government Code, is amended
by adding Section 370.007 to read as follows:
Sec. 370.007. COMMISSIONING AND EMPLOYING CERTAIN VETERANS
AS PEACE OFFICERS. Notwithstanding any other law, a political
subdivision that commissions and employs peace officers may
commission and employ as a peace officer a legal permanent resident
of the United States who is an honorably discharged veteran of the
armed forces of the United States.
SECTION 3. Subchapter G, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 1701.3095 to read as follows:
Sec. 1701.3095. LICENSING OF CERTAIN VETERANS WHO ARE LEGAL
PERMANENT RESIDENTS. The commission shall issue a peace officer
license to a person who is a legal permanent resident of the United
States if the person:
(1) meets the requirements of this chapter and the
commission's rules; and
(2) is an honorably discharged veteran of the armed
forces of the United States.
SECTION 4. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall amend
rules as necessary to comply with Section 1701.3095, Occupations
Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.