Texas House Bill HB3419

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/11/09
• Voted on by House: 5/17/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/26/09

Caption

Relating to the disclosure of criminal history record information regarding public school employees.

Impact

The legislation is expected to enhance the safety and security of school environments by formalizing the procedures involved in managing criminal history records of educators and school employees. The Texas Education Agency will be authorized to obtain such records, which could potentially reduce the risk of hiring individuals with a history of criminal offenses that could jeopardize student safety. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any criminal history record information received must be destroyed after its authorized use, thus maintaining privacy for the individuals involved.

Summary

House Bill 3419 aims to amend sections of the Government Code related to the disclosure of criminal history record information for public school employees in Texas. The bill outlines the types of information that can be gathered and dictates how this information is to be handled, ensuring that it may only be used for specific purposes related to employment verification for individuals applying for or currently holding positions in educational settings. The bill facilitates a more streamlined process for accessing criminal history information while ensuring a level of confidentiality for the employees involved.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 3419 may include discussions on privacy rights and the balance between ensuring student safety and protecting the personal information of school employees. While proponents argue that thorough background checks are essential for creating a secure learning environment, opponents may raise concerns over the implications of accessing and storing sensitive personal information. Additionally, issues related to the potential misuse of such information or invasive practices in hiring processes could be areas of debate as lawmakers examine the operational scope of the bill.