H.B. No. 1458 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Education Code to enhance the presence of armed security officers in public schools and to establish guidelines for the appointment of reserve police officers by school district police departments. The bill specifies that reserve police officers can be appointed by the chief of police of a school district police department, with the board of trustees having the authority to limit the number of such appointments. It also outlines the conditions under which reserve police officers may carry weapons and act as peace officers, ensuring they have the same rights and privileges as full-time peace officers while clarifying that they are not eligible for certain benefits typically afforded to full-time officers.

Key amendments include the addition of new definitions and roles for reserve police officers, as well as the inclusion of specific provisions regarding their authority and limitations. Notably, the bill inserts language that allows reserve police officers to be appointed under Section 37.0816 of the Education Code and clarifies the requirements for them to act as peace officers. Additionally, it removes outdated references to previous statutes, ensuring that the law reflects current practices and standards for school safety and law enforcement in educational settings. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 37.0814 (Education Code 37)
House Committee Report: Education Code 37.0814, Subchapter C, Chapter , Education Code 1701.351, Occupations Code 1701.001 (Subchapter C, Chapter , Education Code 1701, Education Code 37, Occupations Code 1701)
Engrossed: Education Code 37.0814, Subchapter C, Chapter , Education Code 1701.351, Occupations Code 1701.001 (Subchapter C, Chapter , Education Code 1701, Education Code 37, Occupations Code 1701)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 37.0814, Subchapter C, Chapter , Education Code 1701.351, Occupations Code 1701.001 (Subchapter C, Chapter , Education Code 1701, Education Code 37, Occupations Code 1701)
Enrolled: Education Code 37.0814, Subchapter C, Chapter , Education Code 1701.351, Occupations Code 1701.001 (Subchapter C, Chapter , Education Code 1701, Education Code 37, Occupations Code 1701)