This section requires the director and the department to set standards for training courses for certain first responders, issue completion certificates, and approve devices for securing handguns in prohibited locations.
Sec. 411.1883. TRAINING COURSE FOR CERTAIN FIRST RESPONDERS. (a) In this section, "first responder" has the meaning assigned by Section 46.01, Penal Code. (b) The director by rule shall establish minimum standards for an initial training course that a first responder who is a license holder and who is employed or supervised by a county or municipality to which Chapter 179, Local Government Code, applies may complete to receive a certification of completion from the department under this section. The training course must: (1) be administered by a qualified handgun instructor; (2) include not more than 40 hours of instruction; (3) provide classroom training in: (A) self-defense; (B) de-escalation techniques; (C) tactical thinking relating to cover for and concealment of the license holder; (D) methods to conceal a handgun and methods to ensure the secure carrying of a concealed handgun; (E) the use of restraint holsters and methods to ensure the secure carrying of an openly carried handgun; and (F) consequences of improper use of a handgun; (4) provide field instruction in the use of handguns, including: (A) instinctive or reactive shooting; (B) tactical shooting; (C) shooting while moving; and (D) shooting in low light conditions; (5) require physical demonstrations of proficiency in techniques learned in training; and (6) provide procedures for securing and storing a handgun if the first responder, while on duty, is required to enter a location where carrying the handgun is prohibited by federal law or otherwise. (c) The department by rule shall establish minimum standards for an annual continuing education course that is administered by a qualified handgun instructor and includes not more than 10 hours of instruction for a person who has completed the initial training course described by Subsection (b). (d) The department shall issue a certificate of completion to a first responder who is a license holder and who completes the initial training course under Subsection (b) or the continuing education course under Subsection (c), as applicable. A certificate of completion expires on the first anniversary of issuance. (e) A first responder is responsible for paying to the course provider the costs of a training course under this section. (f) The director by rule shall approve devices to enable a first responder to secure and store a handgun if the first responder, while on duty, is required to enter a location where carrying the handgun is prohibited by federal law or otherwise. Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1026 (H.B. 1069), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2021. Redesignated from Government Code, Section 411.184 by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 768 (H.B. 4595), Sec. 24.001(16), eff. September 1, 2023.