By: Shofner H.B. No. 4796
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the evaluation of the physical fitness of certain peace
officers.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 370, Local Government Code, is amended
by adding Section 370.010 to read as follows:
Sec. 370.010. PEACE OFFICER PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS AND
EVALUATION. (a) Each law enforcement agency of a political
subdivision shall:
(1) adopt physical fitness standards for peace
officers that are at least as stringent as the physical fitness
standards adopted by the Department of Public Safety under Section
614.172, Government Code; and
(2) annually evaluate the physical fitness of each
peace officer employed by the agency based on the standards adopted
under Subdivision (1).
(b) Each law enforcement agency shall require a peace
officer employed by the agency who fails to meet a standard adopted
under Subsection (a)(1) to participate in a physical fitness
program described by Section 1701.171, Occupations Code, provided
by the agency until the officer meets the standard.
SECTION 2. Subchapter D, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 1701.171 to read as follows:
Sec. 1701.171. PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAM FOR OFFICERS. The
commission shall develop and make available to law enforcement
agencies a physical fitness program providing diet and exercise
recommendations for officers.
SECTION 3. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act:
(1) each law enforcement agency of a political
subdivision shall adopt the physical fitness standards required by
Section 370.010, Local Government Code, as added by this Act; and
(2) the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall
develop and make available the physical fitness program required by
Section 1701.171, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2026.