Texas Senate Bill SB1858

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/28/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/6/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/18/09

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of SB1858 will significantly affect how criminal history records are managed and disclosed within the Texas education system. By restricting access to criminal history information, the bill aims to improve the privacy of individuals involved in public education. Schools, private educational institutions, and other entities that interact with students will have to adhere strictly to the provisions laid out in the bill which includes completing destruction of any records after the purpose has been served. These changes emphasize a balance between the need for transparency in hiring processes and the protection of individual privacy rights.

Summary

Senate Bill 1858 relates to the disclosure of criminal history record information concerning public school employees in Texas. The bill amends several sections of the Government Code, particularly Section 411, to define how criminal history information should be handled. It mandates that this information can only be used for specific purposes and prohibits unauthorized disclosure. This measure aims to enhance the confidentiality of sensitive information pertaining to school employees, ensuring that such data is carefully regulated and protected from public access unless certain conditions are met.

Contention

One notable aspect of SB1858 is the ongoing debate around the centralization of control over sensitive information. Proponents argue that this bill creates necessary safeguards that protect educators and staff from undue scrutiny and potential stigma associated with past criminal records. However, critics may raise concerns regarding the implications for student safety and the extent to which educational institutions can vet their employees. The need to protect sensitive information must be weighed against the obligation of schools to maintain environments that safeguard children from individuals with potentially harmful backgrounds.