House Bill No. 3248 amends the Local Government Code to grant defense base development authorities the authority to employ and commission peace officers. The newly added Section 379B.0046 specifies that the board of the authority can hire peace officers to prevent or address offenses related to port functions, facilities, and operations in accordance with state or local law. The jurisdiction of these commissioned peace officers will include property owned or controlled by the authority, and they will have the authority granted by Chapter 14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Additionally, the bill modifies Article 2A.001 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to include officers commissioned by a defense base development authority as recognized peace officers. This inclusion expands the list of entities that can commission peace officers, thereby enhancing the law enforcement capabilities of defense base development authorities. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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