BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1957

By: Hagenbuch

Intergovernmental Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill sponsor has informed the committee that although civilian oversight boards play a critical role in maintaining public trust by reviewing police conduct and department policies, concerns have arisen regarding the qualifications and backgrounds of individuals serving on these boards, particularly when board members may have personal histories that could compromise their impartiality or undermine public confidence. The bill sponsor has also informed the committee that because there are no statewide eligibility standards concerning the criminal history of individuals who serve on these boards, eligibility is determined by the local governing body or municipality that establishes the board, leading to wide variations in policy and possible gaps in the vetting process that can result in individuals with serious criminal histories—such as felony convictions or crimes involving moral turpitude—being appointed to positions that involve evaluating law enforcement conduct. S.B. 1957 seeks to address this issue and establish clear, statewide criteria that promote fairness and public confidence in oversight bodies, while still allowing municipalities the flexibility to define additional qualifications, by disqualifying individuals from serving on civilian oversight boards if they have been convicted of certain offenses.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 1957 amends the Local Government Code to make ineligible to serve on a civilian oversight board a person that has been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for a felony offense or convicted of a crime of moral turpitude. The bill defines "civilian oversight board" as a board or office established by a municipality to practice oversight, monitoring, or investigations of firefighters or police officers, or departments, by members of the public who are not firefighters or police officers.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.