Bill Text: TX HB593 | 2015-2016 | 84th Legislature | Enrolled

Texas House Bill 593 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Relating to canine encounter training for peace officers.

Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2015-05-18 - Effective on 9/1/15 [HB593 Detail]

Download: Texas-2015-HB593-Enrolled.html



	H.B. No. 593




	AN ACT
	relating to canine encounter training for peace officers.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1. Section 1701.253, Occupations Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (l) to read as follows:
	(l) As part of the minimum curriculum requirements, the
	commission shall require an officer licensed by the commission on
	or after January 1, 2016, to complete a canine encounter training
	program established by the commission under Section 1701.261. An
	officer shall complete the program not later than the second
	anniversary of the date the officer is licensed under this chapter
	unless the officer completes the program as part of the officer's
	basic training course.
	SECTION 2. Subchapter F, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, is
	amended by adding Section 1701.261 to read as follows:
	Sec. 1701.261. CANINE ENCOUNTER TRAINING PROGRAM. (a) The
	commission shall establish a statewide comprehensive education and
	training program on canine encounters and canine behavior. The
	training program must consist of at least four hours of classroom
	instruction and practical training, developed and approved by the
	commission, that addresses:
	(1) handling canine-related calls, anticipating
	unplanned encounters with canines, and using humane methods and
	tools in handling canine encounters;
	(2) recognizing and understanding canine behavior;
	(3) state laws related to canines;
	(4) canine conflict avoidance and de-escalation;
	(5) use of force continuum principles in relation to
	canines;
	(6) using nonlethal methods, tools, and resources to
	avoid and defend against a canine attack; and
	(7) a general overview of encounters with other
	animals.
	(b) At least once every four years, the commission shall
	review the content of the training program under this section and
	update the program as necessary.
	(c) Notwithstanding Sections 1701.253(l) and 1701.402(l),
	an officer who has completed at least four hours of a canine
	encounter training program is not required to complete the program
	under this section.
	SECTION 3. Section 1701.402, Occupations Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (l) to read as follows:
	(l) As a requirement for an intermediate or advanced
	proficiency certificate issued by the commission on or after
	January 1, 2016, an officer must complete the canine encounter
	training program established by the commission under Section
	1701.261.
	SECTION 4. Not later than January 1, 2016, the Texas
	Commission on Law Enforcement shall establish the canine encounter
	training program as required by Section 1701.261, Occupations Code,
	as added by this Act.
	SECTION 5. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act,
	an officer employed by a county with a population of less than
	125,000 is not required to comply with Sections 1701.253(l) and
	1701.402(l), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, before January
	1, 2017.
	SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.


	______________________________	______________________________
	President of the Senate	Speaker of the House


	I certify that H.B. No. 593 was passed by the House on April
	20, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 132, Nays 12, 1 present, not
	voting.

	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House


	I certify that H.B. No. 593 was passed by the Senate on May 4,
	2015, by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.

	______________________________
	Secretary of the Senate
	APPROVED: _____________________
	Date

	_____________________
	Governor