TITLE: Relating to continuing education training on civil process for constables.

SUMMARY: Relating to continuing education training on civil process for constables.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to continuing education training on civil process for constables. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 1701.3545, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) and amending Subsections (e) and (f) to read as follows: (b-1) In addition to the requirements of Subsection (b), each constable must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education instruction on civil process as part of the continuing education program provided by the selected institution under this section during each 48-month continuing education training period. The commission by rule shall establish minimum curriculum requirements for the continuing education course on civil process required by this subsection. The commission may waive the continuing education requirements of this subsection if: (1) a constable requests a waiver because of hardship; and (2) the commission determines that a hardship exists. (e) The institution selected under Subsection (a) by rule may provide for the waiver of: (1) all or part of the required 40 hours of initial training for new constables to the extent the new constable has satisfactorily completed equivalent training during the 24 months preceding the individual's appointment or election; or (2) the continuing education requirements of Subsection (b) or (b-1) for an individual who has satisfactorily completed equivalent continuing education during the preceding 24 months. (f) An individual who is subject to the continuing education requirements of Subsections [Subsection] (b) and (b-1) is exempt from other continuing education requirements under this subchapter. SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall adopt rules necessary to implement Section 1701.3545, Occupations Code, as amended by this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.