79R5611 UM-D

By:  Zaffirini                                                    S.B. No. 689



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a feasibility study regarding the creation of a federal 
criminal history record clearinghouse at the Department of Public 
Safety.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  (a) The Department of Public Safety shall 
conduct a feasibility study regarding the creation of a federal 
criminal history record clearinghouse at the department to allow 
access to federal criminal history record information for persons 
with a need for that access without violating federal regulations 
regarding the dissemination of that information.
	(b)  In completing the study, the Department of Public Safety 
shall seek input from persons interested in accessing federal 
criminal history record information, including:
		(1)  state agencies charged with protecting elderly 
individuals or children;
		(2)  advocates for nursing home residents and other 
at-risk populations;    
		(3)  volunteer organizations providing services to 
elderly individuals or children; and
		(4)  other appropriate persons as determined by the 
department.             
	(c)  The feasibility study must:                                               
		(1)  determine the manner in which material contained 
in federal criminal history record information may be categorized 
for release to a person requesting the information in a manner that 
complies with federal regulations;
		(2)  estimate the cost of providing clearinghouse 
services to persons interested in accessing federal criminal 
history record information; and
		(3)  identify barriers to the implementation of the 
clearinghouse and possible solutions.
	(d)  The Department of Public Safety shall complete the study 
and report to the legislature on or before September 1, 2006.
	(e)  This Act expires September 1, 2007.                                       
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.