TITLE: Relating to access to criminal history record information by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

SUMMARY: Relating to access to criminal history record information by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to access to criminal history record information by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter F, Chapter 411, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 411.14031 to read as follows: Sec. 411.14031. ACCESS TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION: PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS. (a) The Public Utility Commission of Texas is entitled to obtain from the department criminal history record information maintained by the department that relates to a person undergoing a background and criminal history check under Section 12.107, Utilities Code. (b) Criminal history record information obtained under Subsection (a): (1) is for the exclusive use of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and is privileged and confidential; and (2) may not be released or disclosed to any person or agency except on court order or with the consent of the person who is the subject of the information. (c) The Public Utility Commission of Texas may destroy criminal history record information obtained under Subsection (a) after the information is used for the purpose authorized by this section. (d) This section does not prohibit the Public Utility Commission of Texas from obtaining and using criminal history record information as provided by other law. SECTION 2. Subchapter C, Chapter 12, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Section 12.107 to read as follows: Sec. 12.107. CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES. Before hiring a person as an employee, the commission may obtain from the Department of Public Safety or a private vendor all criminal history record information relating to the prospective employee. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.