Bill > HB1274

This bill introduces several important changes to Texas law regarding intelligence databases that track information about individuals associated with criminal street gangs, combinations, or foreign terrorist organizations. The bill requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to notify individuals within 60 days of their inclusion in an intelligence database, providing them with information about how to dispute their listing and the process for removing their information. The bill also establishes new protections for individuals in these databases, explicitly stating that the information cannot be used to limit employment opportunities, constitutional rights, or the ability to obtain licenses and permits. Additionally, the bill mandates an annual audit by the state auditor to review database entries, with a requirement to remove information that cannot be substantiated after 10 years. The legislation introduces a process for individuals to renounce membership in such organizations, with their information automatically removed from the database two years after renunciation. The bill also modifies judicial review procedures, changing the standard of review from "reasonable suspicion" to "probable cause" and expanding the grounds for challenging database inclusion, including potential violations of state and federal constitutional rights. These changes aim to provide more transparency, accountability, and protection for individuals listed in intelligence databases.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1274