The bill, S.B. No. 2837, amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to clarify the law enforcement authority of federal National Park Service law enforcement officers in Texas. Specifically, it states that while these officers are not considered peace officers under state law, they are granted specific powers, including the authority to arrest, search, and seize in relation to offenses committed within national parks or national recreation areas. Additionally, they are empowered to execute arrest and search warrants issued under Texas law and are granted certain powers typically reserved for peace officers as outlined in Chapters 573 and 574 of the Health and Safety Code.

The bill also defines "national park or national recreation area" in accordance with the National Park System as defined by federal law. The changes include the addition of new subsections that outline these powers and the deletion of previous language that may have caused ambiguity regarding the definition of national parks and recreation areas. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the Texas Legislature or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.