HB 4956

relating to requiring a certification for peace officers to conduct
certain polygraph examinations.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Subchapter G, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 1701.318 to read as follows:
Sec. 1701.318.  CERTIFICATION REQUIRED FOR PEACE OFFICERS TO
CONDUCT POLYGRAPH EXAMINATIONS.  (a)  The commission by rule may
establish minimum requirements for the training, testing, and
certification of peace officers to conduct polygraph examinations
(1)  a preemployment examination of a candidate
applying for a position that requires a license under this chapter;
(2)  a criminal investigation; or
(3)  a post-conviction sex offender test.
(b)  The commission shall adopt rules prohibiting a peace
officer from conducting a polygraph examination for a  purpose
described by Subsection (a) unless the officer:
(1)  completes a training course approved by the
(2)  passes an examination administered by the
commission that is designed to test the officer's knowledge of
(c)  The commission shall issue a certification to conduct
polygraph examinations to a peace officer who applies for the
certification, completes the required training, and passes the
(d)  A peace officer holding a certification issued under
this section must conduct a test described by Subsection (a)(3) in
accordance with guidelines established by the American Polygraph
Association, or a successor entity.
SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall adopt
rules required by Section 1701.318, Occupations Code, as added by
SECTION 3.  A peace officer is not required to comply with
rules adopted under Section 1701.318, Occupations Code, as added by
this Act, until January 1, 2027.
SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.