Page 184 - Texas police Association Peace Officer Guide 2017

Selected actions of the recent Texas Legislature (this description is far from complete and the
editor defers to the more thorough treatment of these changes contained in TCOLE Legislative
Update Course # 3185.

Sandra Bland Act: Sen. Bill 1849. Requires training in crisis intervention, de-escalation and
mental health for jailors. Racial profiling reporting requirements are changed to eliminate
exemptions for agencies using video cameras.

Penal Code Section 21.09 creating the offense of bestiality is added. Also 21.18 adds offense of
sexual coercion; 25.081 – Unregulated custody transfer of adopted child; 33.023 – electronic
data tempering; 33.024 – unlawful decryption.

Statutes (21.02, 21.11, 22.021, 43.25, 43.251, ) regarding offenses against children may be
violated even if offender does not know age of victim.

22.01: penalty level for certain assaults is raised.

Falsely identifying law enforcement insignia or vehicles is added to offense of falsely
indentifying oneself as a police officer. 37.12.

46.01, .02 Carrying knives is now legal except in certain locations.

46.05. If firearm suppressors are ( or become ) legal under Federal law, they will be legal under
State law.

CCP Art. 2.1305 Off duty officers may not be prohibited from carrying weapons on many
premises.

CCP Art. 38.20 tightens up the procedures which must be followed when using lineup
identification.

Trans. Code 545.4251: using cell phones to read, write or send electronic messages is prohibited
by one operating (not stopped) a motor vehicle. Certain emergency uses are exempted and the
officer may not take possession or look at the phone absent exigent circumstances or a warrant.

Trans. Code 601.053, .191. Must verify lack of insurance through database before issuing
ticket.

A Peace Officer’s Guide to Texas Law 179 2017 Edition