SRC-DPW C.S.S.B. 383 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 383
76R6611 DRH-DBy: Duncan
Criminal Justice
2/22/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, Section 411.124, Government Code, allows certain political
subdivisions that regulate drivers of public transportation to
electronically obtain criminal history record information from the Texas
Department of Public Safety (DPS).  The DPS interprets the Texas Law
Enforcement Telecommunication Service (TLETS) to mean that cities cannot
use the TLETS for taxicab drivers. Cities that wish to obtain background
checks for taxicab drivers must do so in writing.  This bill would allow
cities to use the TLETS to obtain background information on taxicab
drivers. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.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(a), Government Code, to provide that a
political subdivision is entitled to obtain criminal history record
information maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety from a law
enforcement agency with access to the database information. 

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

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1.

Amends Section 411.124(a), Government Code, to provide that a political
subdivision is entitled to obtain from the Texas Department of Public
Safety (DPS) or from a law enforcement agency of the political subdivision
with access to the information, criminal history records maintained by the
DPS relating to certain persons.  

SECTION 2. 

 Makes the effective date upon passage, rather than September 1, 1999.