SRC-SLL H.B. 2451 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2451
By: Hirschi (Nixon)
Health & Human Services
5-13-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Government Code allows the Texas Department of Protective
and Regulatory Services (DPRS) to gain criminal history records from the
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for a number of specific
individuals.  These checks are designed to protect children, elderly
persons, and persons with disabilities.  However, nonprofit management
centers are not allowed to conduct background checks on employees and
volunteers.  This bill will authorize DPRS to obtain criminal history
record information about employees and volunteers of a nonprofit
management center from DPS. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2451 authorizes the Department of Protective and
Regulatory Services to obtain criminal history record information about
employees and volunteers of a nonprofit management center from the
Department of Public Safety. 

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 Section 411.114(a)(2), Government Code, to provide that
the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services is entitled to obtain
from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) criminal history record
information maintained by DPS that relates to a person who is, through a
contract with a nonprofit management center, an employee of, an applicant
for employment with, or a volunteer or an applicant volunteer with a
nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that provides any service that involves
the care of or access to children, elderly persons, or persons with a
disability. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.