BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3686
89R13399 GP-F	By: Harless (Parker)
	Economic Development
	5/23/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Under current Texas law, honorably retired peace officers and qualified retired law enforcement officers may be issued official identification (ID) cards by their former agencies. These ID cards serve as formal documentation of the officer's service and may also be used to satisfy identification requirements under federal and state laws relating to retired law enforcement personnel. However, the statute does not require these cards to reflect the position or rank held by the officer at the time of their retirement�an omission that may create confusion or fail to honor the full scope of the officer's service.

H.B. 3686 amends Sections 614.124 and 614.1241 of the Government Code to enhance the content of identification cards issued to retired peace officers and law enforcement officers. Specifically, the bill adds a requirement for the ID card to include the position or rank held by the officer at the time of their retirement. This addition ensures a more complete and respectful representation of the officer's service and provides greater clarity and utility for those relying on the ID for verification purposes. Including rank also assists agencies and members of the public in verifying the authenticity and context of the retired officer's credentials.

By improving the accuracy and informational value of these ID cards, H.B. 3686 promotes greater transparency, accountability, and respect for the law enforcement profession.

H.B. 3686 amends current law relating to the information included on an identification card issued to certain retired peace and law enforcement officers.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 614.124(b), Government Code, to require that the identification card for an honorably retired peace officer include certain information, including the position or rank held by the officer at the time of the officer's retirement, and to make nonsubstantive changes.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 614.1241(b), Government Code, to required that the identification card for a qualified retired law enforcement officer include certain information, including the position or rank held by the officer at the time of the officer's retirement, and to make nonsubstantive changes.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.