The bill amends the Occupations Code to require peace officers in Texas to complete a training program focused on interacting with individuals who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specifically, it adds a new subsection (u) to Section 1701.253, mandating that as part of the minimum curriculum requirements, officers must complete the training program established under the newly added Section 1701.273. This training program is defined to be at least two hours long and must cover various topics, including understanding the nature of ASD, effective communication strategies, recognizing potential abuse situations, and ensuring the safety of individuals with ASD in correctional facilities.

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement is tasked with establishing and maintaining this training program, which must be evidence-based and include best practices for interacting with individuals with ASD. The bill stipulates that the new curriculum requirements will apply only to officers who begin their training on or after January 1, 2026, and it is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 1701.253 (Occupations Code 1701)
House Committee Report: Occupations Code 1701.253 (Occupations Code 1701)