During the 85th session, the Legislature passed SB 1849, also known as the Sandra Bland Act. This legislation touches issues important to our counties, including: jail diversion, jail safety, officer training, data collection, and behavioral health. Below is an implementation timeline:
Jan. 1, 2018
Adopted Rules for Continuity of Medication
Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopted reasonable rules and procedures for Continuity of Medication. See the Texas Administrative Code to review minimum jail standards.
Created Form for Serious Incident Form
TCJS created a serious incident form to be used by jails by the fifth day of each month.
Adopted Rules for Independent Investigation of Death
TCJS adopted rules for appointing independent investigation of death occurring in a county jail.
Approved Mental Health Training
Mental Health Training approved by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and TCJS. All prospective jailers beginning the basic licensing course on or after Jan. 1, 2018, are required to also complete Course 4900 (Mental Health for Jailers) to complete their licensing process. Integration into new basic licensing course to take effect Jan. 1, 2019.
Collection of New Racial Profiling Report Data Began
All law enforcement agencies that conduct traffic stops, including those previously classified as partially exempt, must begin collecting data for all stops regardless of disposition. Additional information is available on the TCOLE website.
Feb. 9, 2018
Healthy Community Collaborative Learning Community
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) selected a potential Learning Community university partner. More information is available on HHSC’s website.
March 1, 2018
Approved Jail Administrator Examination
TCOLE developed and TCJS approved a jail administrator examination.
Adopted Rules for TCJS Jail Administrator Exam
TCJS adopted rules requiring a person, other than a sheriff, assigned to the jail administrator position overseeing a county jail to pass the examination.
Modified Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
TCOLE expanded current CIT to 40 hours for the Basic Peace Officer Course and to obtain an Intermediate or Advanced Proficiency Certificate.
Established De-escalation Training
TCOLE created a course on De-escalation Techniques to facilitate interaction with members of the public, including techniques for limiting the use of force resulting in bodily injury. This was released December 2017.
April 1, 2018
New CIT Requirement Took Effect
Beginning April 1, 2018, all peace officers taking CIT to fulfill their basic licensing requirements or to obtain an Intermediate or Advanced Proficiency Certificate will have to complete the expanded 40 hour course.
May 11, 2018
Request for Applications Released
HHSC released the Request for Applications for the Healthy Community Collaboratives rural expansion.
July 11, 2018
Healthy Community Collaboratives Rural Expansion Grantees Identified
HHSC identified prospective rural Healthy Community Collaboratives grantees and vetted with stakeholders.
Aug. 31, 2018
Healthy Community Collaboratives Rural Expansion
HHSC completed contract negotiations and executed the Healthy Community Collaboratives rural expansion contracts. Grantees began service delivery.
Sept. 1, 2018
Rules for Telemental Health/Telehealth
TCJS adopted rules and procedures that require a county jail to: (A) give prisoners the ability to access a mental health professional at the jail through a telemental health service 24 hours a day; (B) give prisoners the ability to access a health professional at the jail or through a telehealth service 24 hours a day or, if a health professional is unavailable at the jail or through a telehealth service, provide for a prisoner to be transported to access a health professional adopted. Counties must comply by Sept. 1, 2020.
Rules for Electronic Sensors
TCJS adopted rules regarding the use of electronic sensors/cameras to ensure accurate and timely in-person checks of cells or groups of cells confining at-risk individuals adopted. Counties must comply by Sept. 1, 2020.
March 1, 2019
Racial Profiling Reports Due
This is the deadline for law enforcement agencies to submit their annual racial profiling report to TCOLE under the new data requirements established by the Sandra Bland Act.
Sept. 1, 2020
Electronic Sensors/Cameras
Jails must have in place automated electronic sensors or cameras for cells confining high-risk inmates.
Telemental Health/Telehealth
Jail must have tele-med equipment installed that gives prisoners the ability to access a mental health professional at the jail through a telemental health service 24 hours a day and gives prisoners the ability to access a health professional at the jail or through a telehealth service 24 hours a day or, if a health professional is unavailable at the jail or through a telehealth service, provide for a prisoner to be transported to access a health professional.
Aug. 31, 2021
Finish Training on Mental Health Training
Jailers in position on Sept. 1, 2017 must receive 8 hours MH training by Aug. 31, 2021.
Download SB 1849 Implementation Timeline