An authority may hire fare enforcement officers, but those officers must complete approved training before starting, wear identifying uniform or insignia, and work under the authority’s chief executive officer.
Sec. 463.063. FARE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS. (a) An authority may employ or contract for persons to serve as fare enforcement officers to enforce the payment of fares for use of the public transportation system by: (1) requesting and inspecting evidence showing payment of the appropriate fare from a person using the public transportation system; and (2) issuing a citation to a person described by Section 463.062(d). (b) Before commencing duties as a fare enforcement officer, a person must complete at least eight hours of training approved by the authority that is appropriate to the duties required of a fare enforcement officer. (c) While performing duties, a fare enforcement officer shall: (1) wear a distinctive uniform, badge, or insignia that identifies the person as a fare enforcement officer; and (2) work under the direction of the authority's chief executive officer. (d) A fare enforcement officer may: (1) request evidence showing payment of the appropriate fare from passengers of the public transportation system or evidence showing exemption from the payment requirement; (2) request personal identification or other documentation designated by the authority from a passenger who does not produce evidence showing payment of the appropriate fare on request by the officer; (3) instruct a passenger to immediately leave the public transportation system if the passenger does not possess evidence showing payment or exemption from payment of the appropriate fare; or (4) file a complaint in the appropriate court that charges the person with an offense under Section 463.062(d). (e) A fare enforcement officer may not carry a weapon while performing duties under this section unless the officer is a certified peace officer. (f) A fare enforcement officer who is not a certified peace officer is not a peace officer and has no authority to enforce a criminal law, except as provided by this section. Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 151 (H.B. 71), Sec. 1, eff. May 24, 2019.