Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Texas Government Code - GOV'T § 411.1883. Training Course for Certain First Responders

Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) In this section, “first responder” has the meaning assigned by Section 46.01, Penal Code.

(b) The director by rule shall establish minimum standards for an initial training course that a first responder who is a license holder and who is employed or supervised by a county or municipality to which Chapter 179, Local Government Code, applies may complete to receive a certification of completion from the department under this section. The training course must:

(1) be administered by a qualified handgun instructor;

(2) include not more than 40 hours of instruction;

(3) provide classroom training in:

(A) self-defense;

(B) de-escalation techniques;

(C) tactical thinking relating to cover for and concealment of the license holder;

(D) methods to conceal a handgun and methods to ensure the secure carrying of a concealed handgun;

(E) the use of restraint holsters and methods to ensure the secure carrying of an openly carried handgun; and

(F) consequences of improper use of a handgun;

(4) provide field instruction in the use of handguns, including:

(A) instinctive or reactive shooting;

(B) tactical shooting;

(C) shooting while moving; and

(D) shooting in low light conditions;

(5) require physical demonstrations of proficiency in techniques learned in training; and

(6) provide procedures for securing and storing a handgun if the first responder, while on duty, is required to enter a location where carrying the handgun is prohibited by federal law or otherwise.

(c) The department by rule shall establish minimum standards for an annual continuing education course that is administered by a qualified handgun instructor and includes not more than 10 hours of instruction for a person who has completed the initial training course described by Subsection (b).

(d) The department shall issue a certificate of completion to a first responder who is a license holder and who completes the initial training course under Subsection (b) or the continuing education course under Subsection (c), as applicable. A certificate of completion expires on the first anniversary of issuance.

(e) A first responder is responsible for paying to the course provider the costs of a training course under this section.

(f) The director by rule shall approve devices to enable a first responder to secure and store a handgun if the first responder, while on duty, is required to enter a location where carrying the handgun is prohibited by federal law or otherwise.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Texas Government Code - GOV'T § 411.1883. Training Course for Certain First Responders - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/government-code/gov-t-sect-411-1883/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard