This section requires the commission to create and regulate a basic training course for commissioned security officers, with required topics, minimum hours, department-approved schools and instructors, and handgun proficiency standards.
Sec. 1702.1675. TRAINING PROGRAMS. (a) The commission shall establish a basic training course for commissioned security officers. The course must include, at a minimum: (1) general security officer training issues; (2) classroom instruction on handgun proficiency and self-defense tactics; and (3) range instruction on handgun proficiency. (b) The course must be offered and taught by schools and instructors approved by the department. To receive department approval, a school or an instructor must submit an application to the department on a form provided by the department. (c) The basic training course established under this section must consist of a minimum of 30 hours. (d) The general security officer training portion of the course must include instruction on: (1) applicable rules and state laws; (2) field note taking and report writing; and (3) any other topics of security officer training curriculum the department considers necessary. (e) The department shall develop a commissioned security officer training manual that contains applicable state laws and rules to be used in the instruction and training of commissioned security officers. (f) The commission shall adopt rules necessary to administer the provisions of this section concerning the training requirements of this chapter. (g) The handgun proficiency and self-defense course must include at least 10 hours and not more than 15 hours of in-person instruction with an on-site instructor approved by the department on: (1) the laws that relate to weapons and to the use of deadly force; (2) handgun use, proficiency, and safety; (3) nonviolent dispute resolution; (4) proper storage practices for handguns, with an emphasis on storage practices that eliminate the possibility of accidental injury to a child; and (5) self-defense tactics. (h) The range instruction on handgun proficiency must include an actual demonstration by the applicant of the applicant's ability to safely and proficiently use a handgun. The applicant must demonstrate, at a minimum, the degree of proficiency that is required to effectively operate a 9-millimeter or .38-caliber handgun. (i) The commission by rule shall establish minimum standards for handgun proficiency that are at least as stringent as the standards for handgun proficiency developed under Section 411.188, Government Code. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 14.617, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146 (H.B. 2730), Sec. 4.52, eff. September 1, 2009. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 595 (S.B. 616), Sec. 5.059, eff. September 1, 2019. Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1015 (H.B. 3424), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.