Texas House Bill HB2033

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/23/09

Caption

Relating to the regulation of polygraph examiners by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and the abolition of the Polygraph Examiners Board.

Impact

This legislative change aims to improve oversight by establishing the Polygraph Advisory Committee under TDLR, which will consist of members with relevant experience in the field. The committee will be responsible for advising on the educational requirements for polygraph examiners, and the contents of licensing examinations, among other duties. By centralizing the oversight, the bill seeks to ensure consistent application of standards and potentially reduce administrative burdens for both examiners and those they serve.

Summary

House Bill 2033 focuses on the regulation of polygraph examiners in the state of Texas. The bill proposes to transfer the regulatory responsibilities from the existing Polygraph Examiners Board to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). One significant change is the abolition of the Polygraph Examiners Board, as the bill emphasizes a more streamlined process where oversight is handled directly by TDLR, thereby simplifying the regulatory environment for polygraph examiners across the state.

Contention

While the bill appears to promote efficiency, some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the abolition of the existing Polygraph Examiners Board, fearing it could dilute specialized oversight that the board previously provided. Critics may argue that local nuances and specific needs related to polygraph examination practices could be overlooked by a larger regulatory body. However, supporters believe that consolidating regulatory authority will foster better compliance and accountability while still protecting public interests.