Texas Occupation Code 1702.168 requires The Department adopt rules establishing qualifications for individuals required to carry firearms as an aspect of their employment duties.
Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Part 1, Chapter 35.7 provides that a commissioned security or personal protection officer may only carry a firearm of a recognized category and for which he or she has received approved training. There are currently only three categories recognized by rule:
- semi-automatic handguns
- non-semi-automatic handguns (revolver)
- shotguns
Currently, only handgun and shotgun qualification courses are approved (37 TAC, Part 1 35.145 and 35.146).
Rifles
Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Part 1, Chapter 35.7(h) states that a licensed Texas peace officer or an honorably retired Texas peace officer may have access to a rifle while performing services as a commissioned security officer or personal protection officer. A retired Texas peace officer must have documentation of their status as honorably retired from their employing agency or the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).