Sec. 452.0612.  FARE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.  (a)  The authority may employ 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 452.0611(d)(1).
(b)  Before commencing duties as a fare enforcement officer a person must complete a 40-hour training course 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 that identifies the officer as a fare enforcement officer;  and
(2)  work under the direction of the chief of police of the authority.
(d)  A fare enforcement officer may:
(1)  request evidence showing payment of the appropriate fare from passengers of the public transportation system;
(2)  request personal identification from a passenger who does not produce evidence showing payment of the appropriate fare on request by the officer;
(3)  request that a passenger leave the public transportation system if the passenger does not possess evidence of payment of the appropriate fare;  and
(4)  file a complaint in the appropriate court that charges the person with an offense under Section 452.0611(d).
(e)  A fare enforcement officer may not carry a weapon while performing duties under this section.
(f)  A fare enforcement officer is not a peace officer and has no authority to enforce a criminal law, other than the authority possessed by any other person who is not a peace officer.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1113, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.