TX HB5542

Requires candidates for sheriff to hold an active permanent peace officer license under Chapter 1701 of the Occupations Code before taking office, eliminating the previous option to be merely eligible for licensure

Mandates a minimum of five years of experience as a peace officer to serve as sheriff, removing alternative pathways that previously allowed federal special investigators or military veterans with 10+ years of service to qualify

Removes the provision that allowed elected sheriffs two years after taking office to obtain their peace officer license

Exempts current sheriffs serving terms that began before September 1, 2025, from the new requirements for the remainder of their term

Takes effect September 1, 2025