Texas House Bill HB3173

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to certain peace officer hiring policies related to applicant credit history.

Impact

If enacted, HB 3173 would have a significant effect on the hiring practices of local law enforcement agencies across Texas. By restricting the use of credit history in hiring decisions, the bill aims to promote equal employment opportunities for peace officer candidates. Supporters assert that this change can lead to a more diverse police force and alleviate unnecessary barriers for qualified individuals who may face economic hardships reflected in their credit records. The law would specifically amend Chapter 180 of the Local Government Code to enshrine these protections, establishing a more equitable recruitment process.

Summary

House Bill 3173 seeks to amend local government hiring policies for peace officers by placing restrictions on the consideration of applicants' credit histories. Specifically, it prohibits law enforcement agencies within municipalities or counties from implementing hiring policies that automatically disqualify candidates based on poor credit history. Additionally, the bill ensures that credit history information from incidents occurring more than five years prior to the application date cannot be considered. This legislative action aims to widen the applicant pool for peace officer positions by reducing barriers associated with credit history, which proponents argue can often disproportionately impact minority candidates and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Contention

Despite the support for HB 3173, there may be notable points of contention, particularly from law enforcement agencies that argue that a candidate's financial responsibility is relevant to their suitability for police work. Critics might express concerns that disregarding credit history could overlook important aspects of a candidate's background that may affect their decision-making capabilities or trustworthiness. As such, discussions surrounding the bill could center on finding a balance between promoting fairness in hiring while ensuring that the qualifications for critical law enforcement roles are maintained.