By: Paxton, Zaffirini S.B. No. 533
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to training for peace officers on responding to and
investigating child fatalities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 1701.253, Occupations Code, is amended
by adding Subsection (q) to read as follows:
(q) As part of the minimum curriculum requirements, the
commission shall require an officer to complete a training program
on responding to and investigating child fatalities, including the
protocols for reporting and investigating child fatalities
developed under Subchapter F, Chapter 264, Family Code, the
differences between sudden unexpected infant death and sudden
infant death syndrome, and the relevant regulations applicable to
child-care facilities. An officer shall complete the program not
later than the second anniversary of the date the officer is
licensed under this chapter unless the officer completes the
program as part of the officer's basic training course.
SECTION 2. Not later than January 1, 2024, the Texas
Commission on Law Enforcement shall establish the training program
required by Section 1701.253(q), Occupations Code, as added by this
Act.
SECTION 3. Section 1701.253(q), Occupations Code, as added
by this Act, applies only to a person who submits an application for
a peace officer license under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, on or
after January 1, 2024. A person who submits an application for a
peace officer license under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, before
January 1, 2024, is governed by the law in effect immediately before
the effective date of this Act, and the former law is continued in
effect for that purpose.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.