SRC-JRN, AAA C.S.H.B. 2075 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 2075 By: Hightower (Whitmire) Criminal Justice 5-17-97 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST Currently, the Texas Youth Commission has access to the criminal history information it needs to screen persons who may be unsuitable for contact with its youth. Last fiscal year the commission made approximately 2,600 inquiries of the Department of Public Safety for this information on its job applicants and volunteer applicants. The commission does not have authority, however, to obtain criminal history information on volunteers and employees of private entities that contract with the commission. In view of the ever-increasing role of private contractors in providing direct services to the commission youth, it is important that such access be provided. Approximately 350 to 400 additional inquiries are expected each fiscal year related to contractors' employees and volunteers. H.B. 2075 provides the Texas Youth Commission with access to criminal history record information. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2075 provides the Texas Youth Commission with access to criminal history record information. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 411F, Government Code, by adding Section 411.132, as follows: Sec. 411.132. ACCESS TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION: TEXAS YOUTH COMMISSION. Entitles the Texas Youth Commission (commission) to obtain criminal history record information that relates to certain persons. Prohibits criminal history record information obtained by the commission from being released to any person except certain individuals. Sets forth persons to whom the commission is authorized to release information. Authorizes the commission to charge a fee for an entity or person who requests criminal history record information. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES