Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB5432

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the dissemination by the Department of Public Safety of criminal history record information to consumer reporting agencies.

Impact

By implementing HB 5432, the Texas Legislature aims to enhance the oversight of criminal justice information that is shared with consumer reporting agencies. This move could potentially impact employment, housing, and lending decisions as these agencies often utilize criminal histories in their reports. The bill may offer added protections to individuals whose records are disseminated, ensuring that there is an accessible log of whom the information was shared with and when. In turn, this may lead to improved public trust in how sensitive information is managed by the authorities.

Summary

House Bill 5432, introduced in the Texas Legislature, focuses on the dissemination of criminal history record information by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to consumer reporting agencies. The bill mandates that the DPS publish specific details regarding each instance of such dissemination on its website. This includes the agency's name, contact information, and the date of the information sharing. The intent is to promote transparency and accountability in how criminal histories are shared with private entities that produce consumer reports.

Contention

While the bill appears to have a straightforward goal of improving transparency, it could face contention regarding the balance of public safety and privacy rights. Critics may argue that increased access to criminal histories could lead to misuse of the information, potentially harming individuals by affecting their opportunities based on past transgressions. Proponents, however, will likely contend that this information is crucial for maintaining public safety and accountability in consumer reporting practices. The discussions surrounding this bill will likely focus on how best to implement these transparency measures without compromising the rights of individuals.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX SB694

Identical Relating to the dissemination by the Department of Public Safety of criminal history record information to consumer reporting agencies.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1785

Relating to the dissemination of criminal history record information by the Department of Public Safety.

TX HB1720

Relating to the dissemination of criminal history record information by the Department of Public Safety concerning certain intoxication offenses.

TX HB4123

Relating to access to and use of certain criminal history record information.

TX SB1112

Relating to access to criminal history record information by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

TX HB2609

Relating to access to criminal history record information by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

TX HB1021

Relating to criminal history record information obtained by certain facilities and private agencies on behalf of facilities.

TX HB1385

Relating to access to criminal history record information by county offices providing pretrial release services.

TX SB1976

Relating to the consideration of criminal history record information of applicants for public employment or an occupational license.

TX HB4382

Relating to the timely reporting of criminal case dispositions to the Department of Public Safety and to the allocation of certain grant money.

TX HB1184

Relating to access to criminal history record information for use in certain research or statistical projects.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.