By:  Zaffirini                                                    S.B. No. 689
	(In the Senate - Filed February 23, 2005; March 2, 2005, 
read first time and referred to Committee on Criminal Justice; 
April 13, 2005, reported favorably by the following vote:  Yeas 6, 
Nays 0; April 13, 2005, sent to printer.)

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 of the State of Texas. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. (a) The Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas 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 of the State of Texas 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 of the State of Texas 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.
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