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.