The bill amends the Local Government Code and the Occupations Code to allow legal permanent residents of the United States to be appointed or employed in positions that require licensure by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Specifically, it removes the previous requirement that such individuals must be honorably discharged veterans and introduces a new requirement for them to submit an affidavit affirming their intent to apply for U.S. citizenship within six months of eligibility. The amendments also clarify that the commission will issue licenses to legal permanent residents who meet the necessary requirements and will prescribe a form for the citizenship intent affidavit.

Additionally, the bill outlines the hiring process for law enforcement agencies, which must include obtaining written consent from the applicant and reviewing various records, including proof of legal permanent residency and the citizenship intent affidavit. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement is required to amend its rules by December 1, 2025, to comply with these new provisions. The bill ensures that hiring processes for individuals before this date will follow the previous laws in effect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 1701.3095, Occupations Code 1701.451 (Occupations Code 1701)