89R11854 GP-F
By: Bettencourt S.B. No. 2818
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to training for peace officers on interacting with persons
with autism spectrum disorder.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 1701.253, Occupations Code, is amended
by adding Subsection (u) to read as follows:
(u) As part of the minimum curriculum requirements, the
commission shall require an officer to complete the training
program established under Section 1701.273.
SECTION 2. Subchapter F, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 1701.273 to read as follows:
Sec. 1701.273. TRAINING PROGRAM ON INTERACTING WITH PERSONS
WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER. (a) In this section, "autism
spectrum disorder" means:
(1) a neurobiological disorder or developmental
disability that significantly affects verbal communication,
nonverbal communication, and social interaction and that meets the
diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder specified by the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition,
or a later edition; or
(2) a diagnosis made using a previous edition of the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of autism,
Asperger's syndrome, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder--Not
Otherwise Specified.
(b) The commission by rule shall establish and maintain a
training program for officers on interacting with a person with
autism spectrum disorder.
(c) The training program must be not less than two hours.
(d) The training program must be evidence-based and include
the following topics:
(1) understanding the nature of autism spectrum
disorder and the differing manifestations of the disorder in a
person, including:
(A) identifying a person with autism spectrum
disorder and differentiating that person from another person who
does not have the disorder and who may be uncooperative or intending
to commit a criminal offense;
(B) knowing how age, gender, and ethnicity affect
a person with autism spectrum disorder; and
(C) understanding the relationship between
autism spectrum disorder and criminal or otherwise antisocial
behavior;
(2) effectively communicating with a person with
autism spectrum disorder, including best practices on:
(A) communicating without causing the person
unnecessary stress;
(B) interviewing and interrogating the person;
and
(C) de-escalating an interaction with the
person;
(3) locating a person with autism spectrum disorder
who has run away and may be in danger;
(4) recognizing the circumstances under which a person
with autism spectrum disorder may be abused, coerced, or criminally
exploited, including radicalization of the person;
(5) ensuring the safety of a person with autism
spectrum disorder who is confined in a correctional facility; and
(6) understanding the laws on taking a person into
custody and applying for emergency detention under Subtitle C,
Title 7, Health and Safety Code.
SECTION 3. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall adopt
rules necessary to implement the changes in law made by this Act.
SECTION 4. The minimum curriculum requirements under
Section 1701.253(u), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, apply
only to an officer who first begins to satisfy those requirements on
or after January 1, 2026.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.