The bill, S.B. No. 2144, 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, with the option to limit this authority to specific situations. Additionally, the bill stipulates that reserve officers must be licensed to perform actions requiring a license under Chapter 1702 of the Occupations Code and prohibits them from using police vehicles outside their county for private gain.

The bill also emphasizes that reserve officers are not eligible for benefits typically associated with full-time employment, such as participation in pension funds. It repeals certain provisions that previously defined the conditions under which reserve officers could act as peace officers and clarifies that they may only supplement the regular police force without assuming full-time duties. The changes aim to enhance the operational flexibility of reserve officers while ensuring compliance with licensing requirements and maintaining clear boundaries regarding their authority and benefits. 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 (Occupations Code 1702, Local Government Code 86, Water Code 60, Local Government Code 85, Local Government Code 341)