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 stipulation that reserve deputies and constables may carry weapons or act as peace officers at all times or only during official duties, as determined by the sheriff or constable. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that reserve officers must be licensed under Chapter 1702 of the Occupations Code to perform certain actions, and they are prohibited from using police vehicles outside their county for private gain. The bill also specifies that reserve officers are not eligible for benefits typically associated with full-time employment or pension funds for full-time peace officers.

Furthermore, the bill repeals certain existing provisions that previously limited the authority of reserve officers based on their status as peace officers. It emphasizes that reserve officers must supplement regular police forces and cannot assume full-time duties without meeting the necessary requirements. The bill 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 85, Local Government Code 341, Occupations Code 1702, Local Government Code 86, Water Code 60)