Texas Senate Bill SB944

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to criminal history record checks for certain employees of facilities licensed by the Department of State Health Services.

Impact

The legislation will amend existing sections of the Health and Safety Code to include specific definitions and categories for the types of facilities affected by these criminal history checks. The impact on state law involves an increased compliance requirement for facility operators, who must ensure that employees meet the new criteria before hiring. This could lead to higher operational costs for some facilities as they navigate the process of conducting thorough background checks. Additionally, there may be implications for staffing, as some potential hires could be disqualified based on their criminal history.

Summary

SB944 focuses on the implementation of criminal history record checks for certain employees working in facilities that are licensed by the Department of State Health Services. The bill aims to enhance the safety and welfare of individuals residing in these facilities by ensuring that personnel do not have a disqualifying criminal history. This measure is particularly relevant for facilities like nursing homes, assisted living, and mental health service units, which often serve vulnerable populations. By mandating background checks, the bill seeks to provide a level of security to clients and their families.

Contention

While the bill is generally positioned as a public safety measure, it may also raise concerns about the fairness of using criminal history as a determining factor for employment, especially in cases where offenses may not be relevant to the job's requirements. Advocates for the bill argue that it is a crucial step in protecting vulnerable populations, while opponents might contend that such checks can unreasonably limit employment opportunities for individuals with past convictions who have since rehabilitated. The conversations around the bill may delve into balancing public safety with providing fair chances for employment.