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.