TITLE: Relating to training for peace officers on responding to and investigating child fatalities.

SUMMARY: Relating to training for peace officers on responding to and investigating child fatalities.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to training for peace officers on responding to and investigating child fatalities. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 1701.253, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsection (q) to read as follows: (q) As part of the minimum curriculum requirements, the commission shall require an officer to complete a training program on responding to and investigating child fatalities, including the protocols for reporting and investigating child fatalities developed under Subchapter F, Chapter 264, Family Code, the differences between sudden unexpected infant death and sudden infant death syndrome, and the relevant regulations applicable to child-care facilities. 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. Not later than January 1, 2024, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall establish the training program required by Section 1701.253(q), Occupations Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 3. Section 1701.253(q), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, applies only to a person who submits an application for a peace officer license under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, on or after January 1, 2024. A person who submits an application for a peace officer license under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, before January 1, 2024, is governed by the law in effect immediately before the effective date of this Act, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.