Bill > HB15

This bill creates a new requirement for law enforcement agencies in Texas to maintain a "department file" for each licensed law enforcement employee, which is a separate file from standard personnel records. The department file must include letters, memorandums, or documents related to the employee, particularly those involving alleged misconduct that did not result in sustained charges. These files are confidential and generally cannot be released to outside parties, with limited exceptions. Law enforcement agencies can review these files when hiring a new employee, and must provide the file contents to the licensing commission if requested or as part of an investigation. The files can only be disclosed as required by specific legal statutes, such as those related to criminal procedures and government information. When an external agency or person requests information about a license holder, the law enforcement agency must refer them to the agency head or designee. The bill takes effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session, and is designed to create a standardized, confidential method of tracking potential misconduct or issues with licensed law enforcement employees across different agencies.

Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HB15