SB1329 aims to establish a grant program to assist school district police departments in Texas in achieving accreditation. The bill mandates that to be eligible for grants, these departments must execute a contract with an accrediting entity and complete an initial assessment. Grants are intended for covering accreditation fees or necessary expenses like overtime for staff. Importantly, a cap of $30,000 is set for the maximum grant amount any department can receive, and this reflects the state’s investment in improving law enforcement standards in educational environments.
The legislation also introduces new accreditation requirements for school district police departments. Under Section 1701.171 of the Occupations Code, each department is required to maintain accreditation through recognized associations or organizations. This includes the Texas Police Chiefs Association and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The deadline for departments to contract with an approved accrediting entity is set for September 1, 2029, with full accreditation to be achieved by September 1, 2031.
One significant aspect of the bill is its requirement for annual reporting on accreditation status by school district police departments to ensure compliance with the new standards. This transparency aims to promote accountability and provide a public record of policing standards within schools. The development of a structured program to assist departments in navigating this accreditation process indicates a proactive approach by the state towards enhancing school safety and law enforcement professionalism.
Lastly, this legislation is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from members of both legislative houses. If it does not achieve such a vote, it will still be enacted on September 1, 2025. The strategic timing of its implementation suggests an urgency to elevate policing standards in educational settings, thus impacting how school district police departments operate and interact with the communities they serve.