Sec. 1701.261.  CANINE ENCOUNTER TRAINING PROGRAM.  (a)  The commission shall establish a statewide comprehensive education and training program on canine encounters and canine behavior.  The training program must consist of at least four hours of classroom instruction and practical training, developed and approved by the commission, that addresses:
(1)  handling canine-related calls, anticipating unplanned encounters with canines, and using humane methods and tools in handling canine encounters;
(2)  recognizing and understanding canine behavior;
(3)  state laws related to canines;
(4)  canine conflict avoidance and de-escalation;
(5)  use of force continuum principles in relation to canines;
(6)  using nonlethal methods, tools, and resources to avoid and defend against a canine attack; and
(7)  a general overview of encounters with other animals.
(b)  At least once every four years, the commission shall review the content of the training program under this section and update the program as necessary.
(c)  Notwithstanding Sections 1701.253(l) and 1701.402(l), an officer who has completed at least four hours of a canine encounter training program is not required to complete the program under this section.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 31 (H.B. 593), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2015.