The bill, S.B. No. 538, amends the Local Government Code and the Occupations Code to expand the eligibility for certain positions requiring licensure by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. It allows political subdivisions to appoint or employ legal permanent residents of the United States for these positions, replacing the previous requirement that candidates be honorably discharged veterans. The bill stipulates that these legal permanent residents must hold the appropriate license and submit an affidavit affirming their intent to apply for U.S. citizenship within six months of eligibility.

Additionally, the bill modifies the licensing process for legal permanent residents, ensuring they can obtain licenses if they meet the necessary requirements. It also outlines the hiring process for law enforcement agencies, which must now include obtaining proof of legal permanent residency and the aforementioned affidavit. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement is tasked with amending rules to comply with these changes by December 1, 2025, and the new hiring regulations will take effect on that date. The bill is set to become effective on September 1, 2025.

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