88R2459 JCG-F     By: Bowers, Howard, Lalani, Goodwin, Meza, H.B. No. 568       et al.       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to education and training for peace officers on   interacting with persons with Alzheimer's disease and other   dementias.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 1701.253(j), Occupations Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (j)  As part of the minimum curriculum requirements, the   commission shall require an officer to complete a 40-hour statewide   education and training program on de-escalation and crisis   intervention techniques to facilitate interaction with persons   with mental impairments. The program must include instruction on   interacting with persons with Alzheimer's disease and other   dementias, including instruction on techniques for recognizing   symptoms, communicating effectively, employing alternatives to   physical restraints, and identifying signs of abuse, neglect, or   exploitation. An officer shall complete the program not later than   the second anniversary of the date the officer is licensed under   this chapter or the date the officer applies for an intermediate   proficiency certificate, whichever date is earlier. An officer may   not satisfy the requirements of this subsection or Section   1701.402(g) by taking an online course on de-escalation and crisis   intervention techniques to facilitate interaction with persons   with mental impairments.          SECTION 2.  Not later than April 1, 2024, the Texas   Commission on Law Enforcement shall revise the commission's   education and training programs as necessary to implement the   changes in law made by this Act.          SECTION 3.  Section 1701.253(j), Occupations Code, as   amended 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 April 1, 2024. A person who submits   an application for a peace officer license under Chapter 1701,   Occupations Code, before April 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.