84R7765 GCB-F
 
  By: Walle H.B. No. 2279
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to child and adolescent interaction education and training
  for certain peace and reserve law enforcement officers.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 1701.253, Occupations Code, is amended
  by adding Subsections (m) and (n) to read as follows:
         (m)  As part of the minimum curriculum requirements, the
  commission shall require an officer to complete a statewide
  education and training program on techniques to facilitate
  interaction with children, adolescents, and teenagers, including
  training on:
               (1)  youth development and psychology;
               (2)  positive behavioral interventions and supports,
  conflict resolution techniques, and restorative justice
  techniques; and
               (3)  children with disabilities or special needs,
  including mental or behavioral health needs.
         (n)  An officer shall complete the program under Subsection
  (m) not later than the second anniversary of the date the officer is
  licensed under this chapter or the date the officer applies for an
  intermediate proficiency certificate, whichever date is earlier.
         SECTION 2.  Section 1701.402, Occupations Code, is amended
  by adding Subsection (m) to read as follows:
         (m)  As a requirement for an intermediate or advanced
  proficiency certificate, an officer must complete an education and
  training program on techniques to facilitate interaction with
  children, adolescents, and teenagers under Section 1701.253(m).
         SECTION 3.  Not later than March 31, 2016, the Texas
  Commission on Law Enforcement shall approve the curriculum for the
  education and training program described by Section 1701.253(m),
  Occupations Code, as added by this Act.
         SECTION 4.  Notwithstanding Section 1701.253(n),
  Occupations Code, as added by this Act, an officer licensed under
  Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, on the effective date of this Act
  must complete the education and training program described by
  Section 1701.253(m), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, not
  later than March 31, 2018, as a condition for continuing to hold the
  license.
         SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.