Bill

HB 1779

85(R) - 2017
House Homeland Security & Public Safety
Senate Criminal Justice
House Homeland Security & Public Safety
Senate Criminal Justice
Criminal Procedure
Law Enforcement

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Negative

Author(s)

Tony Dale

Sponsor(s)

Charles Perry

Bill Caption

Relating to the authority of the Department of Public Safety to obtain and use criminal history record information for the purpose of performing certain departmental functions.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Under current law, the Department of Public Safety is authorized to conduct background checks on the applicants or holders of certain permits (including those related to chemical handling, controlled substances, and car inspections). HB 1779 would add to this list individuals who hold or apply for a Capitol pass, a handgun license (including qualified instructors), a dispensing organization license (including employees), and a private security license.

Vote Recommendation Notes

We have no objections to clarifying the existing authority of the Department to conduct background checks for its own employees. But we have consistently opposed bills that impose background checks as a condition to obtain any type of occupational license by a private individual. Though this bill may be explicitly stating the authority to do what the Department has already been practicing, we object to these requirements being implemented at all. Thus, a clarification is still an infringement on our principles and we oppose this bill. 

Organizations Supporting

Texas Municipal Police Association