Relating to the state law enforcement authority of federal National Park Service law enforcement officers.

Contracts

• Vendor Agreements: Update Master Service Agreements (MSAs) for logistics and delivery vendors entering federal lands. Clauses requiring compliance with "lawful orders" must now explicitly include NPS officers enforcing state traffic and penal codes.
• Concessionaire Contracts: Review "Compliance with Laws" sections. A breach of state law cited by an NPS officer now constitutes a direct violation of operational standards, potentially triggering contract termination clauses with the Department of the Interior.

Hiring/Training

• Site Management & Security: Train on-site managers and private security personnel that NPS officers have jurisdiction over state offenses (theft, assault, public intoxication). Do not delay processing by waiting for Sheriff or DPS intervention; NPS authority is sufficient for arrest and removal.
• Crisis Response: Update Emergency Action Plans (EAPs). For employees or guests experiencing a mental health crisis, NPS officers are now authorized to initiate emergency detention under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapters 573 and 574.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Incident Logs: Modify internal incident reporting forms. The field for "Arresting Agency" must accommodate "National Park Service" for state-level offenses.
• Custody Transfer: Ensure security logs accurately reflect that subjects detained by private security were transferred to federal agents acting under state authority to mitigate false imprisonment liability.

Fees & Costs

• No Direct Fees: There are no new statutory fees.
• Indirect Costs: Anticipate potential legal costs associated with jurisdictional challenges if arrests occur on federal lands not explicitly designated as a "Park" or "Recreation Area" (see Strategic Ambiguities below).