House Bill 3142 aims to modify the eligibility requirements and training procedures for school marshals in Texas. The legislation makes changes to various sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Education Code, and Occupations Code.
Eligibility Requirements
The bill amends Article 2A.008(b) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which outlines the eligibility requirements for serving as a school marshal. Under the new law:
- A person may not serve as a school marshal unless they are licensed under Section 1701.260 or meet certain criteria, such as being an honorably discharged veteran, active duty member of the armed forces, peace officer, reserve law enforcement officer, or retired peace officer.
- The board of trustees or governing body of a school district, open-enrollment charter school, private school, or public junior college must appoint eligible individuals as school marshals.
Training and Licensing
The bill makes significant changes to Section 1701.260 of the Occupations Code, which governs the training program for school marshals:
- The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) is required to establish and maintain a training program for school marshals.
- Employees and volunteers who are eligible for appointment as school marshals must complete the training program, which may be conducted by TCOLE staff or approved providers.
- The commission will collect identifying information from each person participating in the training program, including their name, date of birth, license number, and address.
Reimbursement
The bill allows schools to reimburse applicants for the cost of participating in the training program, but it is not mandatory. This provision aims to encourage more individuals to become school marshals without placing a financial burden on them.
Effectiveness Date
H.B. No. 3142 takes effect on September 1, 2025, which will give schools and law enforcement agencies time to adapt to the new requirements and procedures.
Conclusion
The legislation aims to enhance the safety of Texas schools by strengthening the eligibility requirements and training procedures for school marshals. By ensuring that only qualified individuals serve as school marshals, this bill helps to create a safer learning environment for students and educators alike.
