Texas House Bill HB1115

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24

Caption

Relating to the employment of honorably retired peace officers as school district security personnel and the applicability to those officers of certain law governing private security.

Impact

The implementation of HB1115 is poised to amend existing state laws concerning the hiring of security personnel in educational settings. It explicitly states that retired peace officers can be employed without the typical limitations imposed on regular law enforcement personnel when engaged in security roles. By doing so, the bill aims to streamline hiring processes for school districts and provide them with access to a reliable pool of qualified security personnel, which could significantly improve the operational capacity of school security.

Summary

House Bill 1115 aims to facilitate the employment of honorably retired peace officers as security personnel within school districts in Texas. By creating a clear legal framework around the employment of these officers, the bill seeks to enhance security measures in educational institutions by utilizing experienced personnel. The bill outlines specific requirements for retired peace officers, such as maintaining an active license and adhering to relevant regulations outlined in various sections of the Occupations Code and Education Code. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to bolster school safety amidst growing concerns of security threats in educational environments.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill may face scrutiny and debate around the implications of employing retired law enforcement officers in schools. Critics may argue that employing retired officers as security personnel could lead to potential issues regarding the separation of law enforcement and educational environments. Other concerns might include the adequacy of training for retired officers to handle school-specific scenarios, as well as the broader implications for school safety protocols. These points of contention reflect ongoing discussions in legislative circles about the best means to secure educational institutions while prioritizing student welfare.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 37. Discipline; Law And Order
  • Section: New Section

Occupations Code

• Chapter 1702. Private Security
  • Section: 002
  • Section: 322