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