Bill > SB2698

This bill modifies the Government Code to expand and clarify the Public Utility Commission of Texas's (PUC) ability to obtain and handle criminal history record information. Specifically, the bill allows the PUC to obtain criminal history records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other criminal justice agencies for three types of individuals: job applicants, employees with access to sensitive organizational records or critical infrastructure information, and contractors granted access to confidential commission records. The bill mandates that criminal history information obtained from the FBI cannot be released or disclosed to any other party, while information from state agencies may only be released with a court order or the subject's consent. Additionally, the bill changes the language from "may" to "shall" regarding the destruction of criminal history records after they have been used for their authorized purpose. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, providing the PUC with clearer guidelines for accessing and managing criminal history information while maintaining strict confidentiality protections.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2698