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