09/01/2009

SB 1303 requires law enforcement agencies that employ one or more peace officers to designate a firearms proficiency officer and require each peace officer to demonstrate weapons proficiency to the firearms proficiency officer at least annually.

HB 2799 adds reporting responsibilities to a person who qualifies for a peace officer license but has not yet been appointed as a peace officer.

SB 1237 requires MOU with Texas Juvenile Probation Commission - allows certain juvenile probation officers to carry firearms.

HB 2580 establishes a peace officer employment opportunity Internet website by Workforce Commission in conjunction with the Commission.

HB 2068 requires an identification card for certain retired peace officers under 1701.357.

HB 4009 establishes a victim assistance program to provide services to domestic victims of trafficking, requires an officer first licensed by the Commission on or after January 1, 2011, to complete within a reasonable time after obtaining the license a one-time basic education and training program on the trafficking of persons, adds a requirement for an intermediate or advanced proficiency certificate issued by the Commission on or after January 1, 2011, an officer must complete the basic education and training program on the trafficking of persons

HB 2093 includes county jailer as a license qualifying for Mental Health Proficiency Certificate.

HB 846 limits information required for the license or certificate renewal process for emergency medical services personnel and certain law enforcement officers.

• Amends several sections about Commissioners: the requirements to be a Commissioner (1701.053), grounds for removal of commissioners (1701.056(a)), and training required to be a commissioner (1701.059).
• Amends 1701.153(b) making electronic reporting of forms available to  agencies required to report
• Adds reporting responsibilities to 1701.157 for agencies that apply for and receive LEOS continuing education dollars.
• Adds 1701.1521 which requires the Commission to implement a policy of using the appropriate technological solutions to improve the commission’s ability to perform its function.
• Adds 1701.1522 requiring the Commission to develop analternative dispute resolution policy.
• Adds 1701.1523 electronic submission of forms, data, and documents to be developed and electronic submission.
• Adds 1701.1524 requiring the Commission to establish rules that comply with Chapter 53 by specifically stating which offenses constitute disqualification for county jailers.
• Adds 1701.162 requiring the Commission to develop and establish a framework for auditing agencies and audit all agencies at least once every five (5) years.
• Adds 1701.163 to require law enforcement agencies created after September 1, 2009 to provide specific information and policies before being granted a reporting number.
• Adds 1701.164 to require the development of a standard format for the incident-based data submitted by all agencies relating to racial profiling. The Commission, in collaboration with the Department of Public Safety, the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, the W. W. Caruth, Jr. Police Institute of Dallas, and the Texas Police Chiefs Association.
• Amends 1701.202 requires the Commission to establish rules for a comprehensive procedure for each phase of the jurisdictional complaint enforcement process.
• Amends 1701.203 requires the Commission to maintain a system of recording jurisdictional complaints and periodically notify the parties.
• Adds 1701.2035 to require the Commission to record and track non-jurisdictional complaints. The Commission shall analyze the complaint and violation data to identify trends and areas that may require additional regulation or enforcement.
• Amends 1701.253 requires the minimum training requirements to include the laws of this state and the United States as pertaining to peace officers.
• Amends 1701.254, the Commission shall establish a system for placing a training provider on at-risk probationary status.
• Amends 1701.255(c) to remove the 12 hours of college requirement for a GED.
• Amends 1701.351 to require peace officers to complete a legal update course as part of the continuing education requirements beginning with the 2009-2011 training unit.
• Amends 1701.352 to require officers holding only a basic proficiency certificate, to complete cultural diversity, crisis intervention training, and special investigative topics as part of the continuing education requirements for the 2009-2013 training cycle.
• This section also requires that the Commission review with Bill Blackwood best practices for interacting with persons with mental impairments at least every 24 months.
• Amends 1701.402 to require completion of the courses on special investigative topics and cultural diversity for an intermediate certificate.
• Amends 1701.355(a) requires law enforcement agencies that employ one or more peace officers to designate a firearms proficiency officer and require each peace officer to demonstrate weapons proficiency to the firearms proficiency officer at least annually. (SB 1303)
• Amends 1701.451(b) to require the Commission, by rule, is to establish a system for verifying preemployment requests (F-5R) electronically.
• Adds 1701.4525 to state that the Commission is not a party to the F-5 dispute resolution process.
• Amends 1701.453 to include all forms of reporting.
• Amends 1701.501(a) to include authority for the Commission to take disciplinary action against persons who violate the reporting requirements provided in Article 2.132 and 2.134 of the Code of Criminal Procedures.
• Adds 1701.507 to include financial administrative penalties to the disciplinary process.
• Adds 1701.554 for choices in venue.
• Amends Article 2.132 of the Code of Criminal Procedures requiring law enforcement agencies in Texas to submit their annual report on racial profiling to TCLEOSE as well as their governing body. This section authorizes disciplinary action if the chief administrator intentionally fails to submit the required report.
• Amends Article 2.133 of the Code of Criminal Procedures, reference what is included in their racial profiling annual report.
• Amends Article 2.134 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, for the specific component of the racial profiling incident-base annual report. Section (g) provides authority for TCLEOSE to take disciplinary action if the chief administrator intentionally fails to submit the required report.
• Amends Article 2.135 of the Code of Criminal Procedures, and explains the partial exemption if a department has video and audio capabilities. This partial exemption still requires the reporting required in Article 2.132.
• Adds Section 2.1385 to the Code of Criminal Procedures and adds a civil penalty that may be imposed by the Attorney General. This penalty is in addition to disciplinary action against the chief administrator for intentionally failing to submit.
• Adds Article 102.022 to the Code of Criminal Procedures and creates the fund necessary to facilitate the repository for data related to civil justice.
• Clarifies the civil justice fee of 10¢ on each ticket in Texas that will fund the repository.
• Amends102.061 and 102.081 for county court fees, 102.101 for justice court fees, and 102.121 for municipal court fees.
• Repeals Sections 1701.051(d), 1701.156(c), 1701.315, and 1701.406.