Texas Senate Bill SB1670

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the confidentiality of certain information concerning a firefighter or peace officer applicant.

Impact

The passage of SB1670 is expected to impact state laws by reinforcing the confidentiality of sensitive information regarding candidates for peace officer and firefighter roles. This change is particularly significant in fostering a safe environment for applicants, allowing them to undergo rigorous background checks without the fear of having their suitability reports disclosed publicly. As a consequence, it could enhance the ability of governmental bodies to conduct thorough and open assessments of candidate backgrounds.

Summary

SB1670 relates to the confidentiality of certain information concerning applicants for peace officer and firefighter positions. Specifically, the bill amends the Government Code to introduce a new exception to the public information requirements regarding the character and suitability of applicants. Under this bill, any information obtained from a third party that pertains to the background investigation of such applicants is deemed confidential and exempt from the requirements of public disclosure, thereby protecting applicants' personal and sensitive information.

Contention

During discussions on SB1670, some points of contention have arisen. Proponents argue that the confidentiality of background information is crucial for attracting quality candidates to these vital public safety roles. They emphasize that the protection of personal character assessments encourages prospective applicants to freely provide necessary information without fear of public scrutiny. Conversely, critics have raised concerns about transparency in the hiring process, suggesting that excessive confidentiality could potentially hide misconduct or bias in hiring decisions, emphasizing the need for a balance between privacy and public accountability.