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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