Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2037 Latest Draft

Bill / Introduced Version Filed 02/20/2019

                            86R10255 AAF-F
 By: Reynolds H.B. No. 2037


 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 AN ACT
 relating to the consideration of criminal history record
 information regarding applicants for state employment.
 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 656, Government Code, is
 amended by adding Section 656.004 to read as follows:
 Sec. 656.004.  CONSIDERATION OF CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD
 INFORMATION. (a)  In this section:
 (1)  "Applicant" means a person who has made an oral or
 written application with an employer, or has sent a resume or other
 correspondence to an employer, indicating an interest in
 employment.
 (2)  "Criminal history record information" has the
 meaning assigned by Section 411.082.
 (3)  "State agency" means an agency in any branch of
 state government.
 (b)  A state agency may not include a question regarding an
 applicant's criminal history record information on an initial
 employment application form.
 (c)  A state agency may inquire into or consider an
 applicant's criminal history record information after the agency
 has determined that the applicant is otherwise qualified and has
 conditionally offered the applicant employment.
 (d)  This section does not apply to an applicant for a
 position:
 (1)  that involves the provision of services to or care
 of children;
 (2)  that requires direct interaction with children; or
 (3)  for which consideration of criminal history record
 information is otherwise required by law.
 SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.