HBA-NIK S.B. 383 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 383
By: Duncan
Public Safety
5/1/1999
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, certain political subdivisions that regulate drivers of public
transportation and other public property are allowed to electronically
obtain criminal history information from the Texas Department of Public
Safety (department). The department does not include background checks for
taxicab drivers within the scope of the law.  Cities that wish to obtain
background checks for taxicab drivers must do so in writing. S.B. 383
allows cities to obtain background information from a law enforcement
agency of a political subdivision, as well as from the department. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subsection (a), Section 411.124, Government Code, as
follows: 

(a) Provides that a political subdivision of this state that employs,
licenses, or regulates drivers of public transportation vehicles is
entitled to obtain from the Department of Public Safety of the State of
Texas (department) or from a law enforcement agency of the political
subdivision with access to the information, the criminal history record
information maintained by the department that relates to a person who is
the driver of a public transportation vehicle, and employed, licensed, or
regulated by the political subdivision. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.