Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
1 more bills that modify the Occupations Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.
Blog Summary
SB 1445 - law enforcement commission guidelines
1 more bills that modify the Occupations Code
Published: 2026-03-17
SB 1445 - 32 pages
This section address the commission on Law Enforcement.
Misconduct is any violation of law; or a violation of agency policy for which the person may be suspended, demoted or terminated; or an allegation of untruthfulness.
This section sunsets September 2, 2031. It was originally set to have expired already.
The training program must address the scope and limitation of rulemaking authority of the commission. General powers establish minimum standards of which moral standards are not included but are replaced with mental standards.
The minimum standards for law enforcement agencies shall be established regarding function, size, and jurisdiction, including the following:
- determining the public benefit;
- sustainable funding sources;
- physical resources available including standard duty firearms; less lethal force weapons; effective communications equipment; and protective equipment; uniforms; and patrol vehicles and associated equipment;
- physical facilities including evidence room, dispatch area, or public area;
- policies, including use of force; vehicle pursuit; professional conduct; domestic abuse protocols; response to missing persons; supervision of part-time officers; impartial policing; active shooter (new); and barricaded subjects (new);
- administrative structure;
- another other standards considered necessary
The committee sets their rules on purpose, role, responsibility, goals, duration, size and quorum, qualifications of members, appointment procedures for members, terms of service, training requirements, policies to avoid conflict of interest, review, and ensuring no violation of Chapter 551 of the Government Code.
The commission can subpoena records for inspection for investigation. Venue is in Travis County or any count where the commission may conduct a hearing.
The commission sets policy for standards and procedures of medical and psychological examination of license holders. The policy applies to a person licensed as an officer or county jailer; school marshals; license holders with law enforcement agencies. There are rules set out for how this is implemented, how hearings are held, how the appeal process works.
A database for tracking officers who are licensed, including their personnel file. The database is confidential and is not subject to disclosure. There must also be a public database containing service reports. The service report must be compiled in a format that is readily available to the public, and contains the following:
- date the officer completed basic training;
- if the officer is in compliance with continuing education requirements;
- Total hours of training completed;
- date of license issuance
Data may be excluded if inclusion would create a safety risk for undercover or in active sensitive operation. Any person accessing the information must register as a user, and user activity should be tracked.
Before hiring, a law enforcement agency must review any database information available; and file an application with the commission. For those previously out of state, request for their personnel file and other relevant records must be made and received. If a prior state revoked or suspended the license, then they are disqualified.
The commission must adopt a model policy for law enforcement agency hiring. It must cover a policy for handling alleged misconduct; investigating alleged misconduct in a timely manner; reporting any criminal conduct for criminal charges in a timely manner after investigation; provide a summary of any investigation to the commission; include documentation in appropriate personnel files. Any investigations may not be terminated by resignation, retirement, termination, death or other separation from the law enforcement agency. Hiring is provisional for at least 45 days.
The commission must adopt a model policy for personnel files. Such files must contain letters, memorandum, or documents relating to commendation, congratulation, or honors bestowed; any misconduct, assuming there was sufficient evidence of such; periodic evaluation. Such file must be provided to the commission within 30 days after the individuals separation from the law enforcement agency or upon request of the commission as part of an ongoing investigation.
The commission must set out rules for emergency orders of suspension, those without a hearing. These cannot exceed 90 days. Hearings after an emergency suspension must be conducted as soon as practical.
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