Bill

SB 764

86(R) - 2019
Senate Criminal Justice
Senate Criminal Justice
Law Enforcement
Safety
Animals
Weapons

Companion Bill

HB 2584

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive

Author(s)

Jose Menendez

Bill Caption

Relating to the authority of a code enforcement officer performing official duties to possess or carry an instrument used for deterring an animal bite.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 764 would exempt, from prohibitions against carrying a club, code enforcement officers who hold a certificate of registration and possess an instrument used specifically for deterring an animal bite while they are performing official duties or traveling to or from a place of duty. 

The bill would stipulate that education requirements and continuing education requirements related to obtaining or renewing a code enforcement officer certificate of registration must include "education regarding the principles and procedures to be followed when possessing or carrying an instrument used specifically for deterring an animal bite." This does not appear to add additional hours to already mandated education and continuing education, rather it merely adds specificity to what the mandatory training must include.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports SB 764 which enhances the individual liberty of code enforcement officers to defend themselves against animals they encounter in the course of performing their official duties.