Bill > HB4956

This bill establishes new certification requirements for peace officers who want to conduct polygraph examinations in three specific contexts: pre-employment screenings for licensed positions, criminal investigations, and post-conviction sex offender tests. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement will be responsible for creating rules that outline the minimum training, testing, and certification standards for these polygraph examinations. To obtain certification, peace officers must complete a commission-approved training course and pass an examination designed to test their knowledge of investigative polygraphy. For post-conviction sex offender tests, certified officers must follow guidelines established by the American Polygraph Association. While the bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, peace officers will not be required to comply with these new certification rules until January 1, 2027, providing ample time for implementation and training. The goal of this legislation is to ensure that peace officers conducting polygraph examinations have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform these sensitive investigative procedures accurately and professionally.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4956