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.