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Bill

SB 2144

Relating to the authority of a reserve peace officer.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Charles Perry

SB 2144 expands reserve peace officer authority in Texas, potentially increasing part-time officer powers in law enforcement operations.

Referred to Criminal Justice
#constables(s2357) #citygovernment--employees/officers(i0061) #countygovernment--employees/officers(i0095) #lawenforcement(i0510) #occupationalregulation--othertrades&professions(i0541) #peaceofficers(s0007) #sheriffs(s1013)
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Bill Summary · SB 2144

Legislative bill overview

SB 2144 modifies the legal authority and operational framework governing reserve peace officers in Texas. The bill appears to expand or clarify the powers that reserve officers—typically part-time law enforcement personnel—can exercise within their jurisdictions. Specific provisions would need to be reviewed in the full text to determine exact scope changes.

Why is this important

Reserve peace officers fill critical gaps in law enforcement capacity across Texas, particularly in rural and under-resourced communities. Changes to their authority directly affect public safety operations, officer liability, and the legal standing of enforcement actions in criminal proceedings. This has practical implications for both policing effectiveness and constitutional protections in arrests and investigations.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of authority expansion: Whether broadened powers for reserve officers creates adequate oversight mechanisms and training requirements to prevent misuse
  • Liability and accountability: Questions about who bears legal responsibility for actions by reserve officers operating with expanded authority, particularly in civil rights cases
  • Equity concerns: Whether expanding reserve officer authority might disproportionately affect certain communities if deployment and oversight practices vary across jurisdictions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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