SB315 Summary

• Establishes procedures requiring district attorney or Attorney General approval before issuing felony arrest warrants against public education employees for actions performed during official duties, with probable cause presented to a court of competent jurisdiction.

• Requires law enforcement agencies to present misdemeanor or municipal ordinance violation charges to a magistrate or district/municipal judge for probable cause finding before warrant issuance for public school employees acting in official capacity.

• Allows district attorney alternative option to present charges to grand jury for indictment determination, with grand jury procedures exempt from the warrant approval requirements.

• Permits warrantless arrests by law enforcement officers when offenses occur in their presence with probable cause, and allows exceptions when employee poses flight risk or safety threat to others.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2013, and applies to public schools (grades pre-K through 12), postsecondary institutions, and specialized state education facilities.