Relating to providing municipalities and counties access to criminal history record information for sexually oriented business license applicants.
Impact
The enactment of HB 960 would significantly impact municipal and county regulations surrounding sexually oriented businesses. By granting local governments access to criminal history information, the bill empowers them to enforce licensing requirements more effectively. This access could potentially reduce instances of illicit activity within these businesses and improve community safety by ensuring that only suitable candidates are granted licenses.
Summary
House Bill 960 relates to the access municipalities and counties have to criminal history record information for individuals applying for licenses related to sexually oriented businesses. The bill amends the Government Code to enable local governments to request criminal history data from the department for applicants and holders of such licenses. This provision aims to enhance the oversight of sexually oriented businesses and ensure that local authorities can make informed decisions when licensing these establishments.
Contention
While the bill has been broadly supported, some points of contention have emerged regarding the extent of access to personal information and concerns about potential discrimination against applicants based on their past records. Critics argue that unrestricted access to criminal history could disproportionately affect marginalized groups and lead to unfair practices in the licensing process. Supporters counter that such measures are essential for protecting community interests and maintaining public safety.