The bill, S.B. No. 1761, amends Section 1701.164 of the Occupations Code to enhance the collection and maintenance of incident-based data reported by law enforcement agencies to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. The commission is tasked with developing guidelines for submitting this data in a standard format and ensuring its quality and accuracy. Additionally, the commission must review and revise these guidelines every odd-numbered year to maintain the data's integrity for academic research and reporting. The bill also mandates that the commission make this data publicly accessible online, along with a glossary to help the public understand the information.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new Section 1701.1645, which requires the commission to conduct a study on the incident-based data and provide recommendations for improving data quality, reducing redundant reporting requirements, and exploring the feasibility of collecting additional data on public encounters with peace officers. The findings and recommendations from this study must be reported to key state officials by January 1, 2027, and the section will expire on September 1, 2027. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 1701.164 (Occupations Code 1701)