The bill amends various sections of the Local Government Code and the Occupations Code to clarify the authority and limitations of reserve peace officers and reserve deputy constables in Texas. Key changes include the removal of language that previously restricted reserve officers' ability to carry weapons or act as peace officers only during the discharge of official duties. Instead, the bill allows sheriffs and constables to authorize reserve officers to carry weapons or act as peace officers at all times, while also stipulating that reserve officers must be licensed if performing actions requiring a license under Chapter 1702 of the Occupations Code. Additionally, the bill prohibits reserve officers from engaging in activities for private gain outside their county and limits police escorts to those that begin or end within the county.

The bill also repeals certain provisions that previously exempted reserve officers from participating in financial benefits typically available to full-time officers, such as pension funds. It emphasizes that reserve officers, regardless of their peace officer status, are not eligible for these benefits. The changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for the roles and responsibilities of reserve officers while ensuring they adhere to licensing requirements and maintain appropriate conduct in their duties. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 85.004, Local Government Code 86.012, Local Government Code 341.012, Occupations Code 1702.322, Water Code 60.0775 (Local Government Code 86, Local Government Code 341, Water Code 60, Local Government Code 85, Occupations Code 1702)