SRC-DPW S.B. 383 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 383 76R1710 DRH-DBy: Duncan Criminal Justice 2/11/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, Section 411.124, Government Code, allows certain political subdivisions that regulate drivers of public transportation and other public property, to electronically obtain criminal history information from the Texas Department of Public Safety. The department does not include background checks for taxicab drivers within the scope of the law. Cities that wish to obtain background checks for taxicab drivers must do so in writing. This bill would allow cities to use the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunication Service to obtain background information on taxicab drivers electronically. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 383 provides a method for political subdivisions to access criminal history record information for certain background checks. 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 411.124, Government Code, to provide that a political subdivision is entitled to directly access computerized databases maintained by the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas to provide information for background checks. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.