Bill > SB15

This bill establishes a new requirement for law enforcement agencies to maintain a confidential "department file" for each licensed law enforcement employee, which is separate from their regular personnel file. The department file must contain documents related to the employee, including letters or memos about alleged misconduct that did not result in formal charges. When a law enforcement agency hires a new employee, they are entitled to review that employee's department files from previous employers. The law enforcement agency can share contents of the department file with the commission (likely the law enforcement licensing commission) as part of an investigation or according to agency policy. The file remains confidential and cannot be released to other agencies or individuals except under specific legal circumstances, such as those outlined in certain criminal procedure and government code sections. If someone requests information from the department file, the agency must refer them to the agency head or designee. The bill will take effect 91 days after the last day of the legislative session, providing a structured approach to maintaining and protecting sensitive information about law enforcement employees.

Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=SB15