TITLE: Relating to allowing a person suspected of committing or attempting to commit theft to complete an education program offered by a merchant.

SUMMARY: Relating to allowing a person suspected of committing or attempting to commit theft to complete an education program offered by a merchant.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to allowing a person suspected of committing or attempting to commit theft to complete an education program offered by a merchant. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 124.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 124.001. DETENTION. (a) A person who reasonably believes that another has stolen or is attempting to steal property is privileged to detain that person in a reasonable manner and for a reasonable time to investigate ownership of the property. (b) A person who is in the business of selling goods or services as a merchant is not precluded from: (1) offering a person who is suspected of stealing or attempting to steal property from the merchant an opportunity to complete the merchant's education program instead of reporting the suspected offense to a law enforcement agency; (2) informing the other person of the civil and criminal remedies available to the merchant and the state; and (3) reducing or waiving a fee for the education program based on the other person's ability to pay. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.