85R5929 AJZ-D     By: Uresti S.B. No. 772       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the authority of a code enforcement officer when   performing official duties to possess or carry an instrument used   for deterring the bite of an animal.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 46.15, Penal Code, is amended by adding   Subsection (h) to read as follows:          (h)  The provisions of Sections 46.02 and 46.03 prohibiting   the possession or carrying of a club do not apply to a code   enforcement officer who:                (1)  holds a certificate of registration issued under   Chapter 1952, Occupations Code; and                (2)  possesses or carries an instrument used   specifically for deterring the bite of an animal while the officer   is:                      (A)  performing official duties; or                      (B)  traveling to or from a place of duty.          SECTION 2.  Section 1952.051, Occupations Code, as effective   September 1, 2017, is amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as   follows:          (c)  The education requirements adopted under Subsection (b)   must include education regarding the principles and procedures to   be followed when possessing or carrying an instrument used   specifically for deterring the bite of an animal.          SECTION 3.  Section 1952.1051, Occupations Code, as   effective September 1, 2017, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 1952.1051.  CONTINUING EDUCATION. The commission by   rule shall prescribe continuing education requirements for code   enforcement officers and code enforcement officers in training   that:                (1)  establish the number of hours of continuing   education required for renewal of a certificate of registration;                (2)  establish an approved curriculum that includes   material regarding changes in applicable law and the principles and   procedures to be followed when possessing or carrying an instrument   used specifically for deterring the bite of an animal; and                (3)  provide that the approved curriculum may be taught   by suitable public agencies and by private entities approved by the   department.          SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.