S.B. No. 434 amends the Health and Safety Code to grant the Harris County Hospital District the authority to employ and commission peace officers, similar to the existing provisions for other county hospital districts such as Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, and El Paso. Specifically, the bill modifies Section 281.057(a) by adding the Harris County Hospital District to the list of districts authorized to employ peace officers, while removing the reference to El Paso County Hospital District.

Additionally, the bill updates Article 2A.001 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to include officers commissioned by the Harris County Hospital District under Section 281.057, Health and Safety Code, as recognized peace officers. This change expands the scope of peace officers in Texas to include those associated with the Harris County Hospital District, thereby enhancing law enforcement capabilities within the district. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 281.057 (Health and Safety Code 281)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 281.057 (Health and Safety Code 281)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 281.057 (Health and Safety Code 281)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 281.057 (Health and Safety Code 281)
Enrolled: Health and Safety Code 281.057 (Health and Safety Code 281)