87R5226 SGM-F
By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 1563
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the disclosure of information in department files of
fire fighters or police officers in certain municipalities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 143.089, Local Government Code, is
amended by amending Subsection (g) and adding Subsection (h) to
read as follows:
(g) A fire or police department may maintain a personnel
file on a fire fighter or police officer employed by the department
for the department's use. The information contained in the
department file is public information subject to disclosure under
Chapter 552, Government Code, unless the information is made
confidential under that chapter or other law [, but the department
may not release any information contained in the department file to
any agency or person requesting information relating to a fire
fighter or police officer. The department shall refer to the
director or the director's designee a person or agency that
requests information that is maintained in the fire fighter's or
police officer's personnel file].
(h) Before the department responds to a request for public
information under Subsection (g), the department shall provide the
fire fighter or police officer with a copy of the request and
written notice of the department's intent to comply with the
request.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.