Relating to access to criminal history record information by certain entities, including certain local government corporations, public defender's offices, and the office of capital writs, and to an exemption for those offices from fees imposed for processing inquiries for that information.
Impact
By eliminating the fees associated with accessing criminal history records, SB1044 aims to alleviate some financial burdens on public defenders and relevant local government agencies. It ensures that attorneys working for these offices can access pertinent criminal records swiftly and efficiently, which can ultimately enhance their ability to defend clients effectively. Additionally, local government corporations engaged in criminal identification activities will have the authority to access criminal history records related to potential employees, volunteers, and contractors without financial hindrance.
Summary
SB1044 focuses on expanding access to criminal history record information for certain entities, specifically public defender's offices and local government corporations involved in criminal identification. The bill amends the Government Code to include provisions that exempt these entities from fees typically charged for processing inquiries related to criminal history. This means that public defender's offices and the office of capital writs can obtain necessary information without incurring costs, which is significant for the financial operations of these essential legal entities.
Contention
While the bill is largely seen as beneficial for the operational efficiency of public defenders and certain local government corporations, there may be concerns regarding privacy and the use of sensitive information. The legislation allows for the collection of criminal history data for a broad range of individuals associated with local government corporations, which could raise issues regarding oversight and the potential misuse of accessed information. Furthermore, there may be ongoing discussions about the extent of access granted, particularly concerning transparency and the implications for individuals undergoing background checks.
Identical
Relating to access to criminal history record information by a public defender's office and the office of capital writs and to an exemption for those offices from fees imposed for processing inquiries for that information.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Relating to criminal history record information and certain registry information accessible to certain educational and child-care entities and information required for employment in certain child-care facilities.
Relating to criminal history record information and certain registry information accessible to certain educational and child-care entities and information required for employment in certain child-care facilities.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Relating to criminal history record information for certain special master, magistrate, referee, or other court official applicants appointed or employed by state judges.
Relating to access to criminal history record information for certain employees, volunteers, and contractors, and for applicants for those positions, by the Health and Human Services Commission.