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 instead requires them to hold the appropriate license and submit an affidavit affirming their intent to apply for U.S. citizenship within six months of eligibility. The amendments also include changes to the licensing process, ensuring that legal permanent residents can obtain licenses if they meet the necessary requirements and affirm their citizenship intent.

Additionally, the bill modifies the hiring process for law enforcement agencies, requiring them to obtain various background checks and documentation, including proof of legal permanent residency and the aforementioned affidavit regarding citizenship intent. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement is tasked with updating its rules to align with these changes by December 1, 2025, and the new hiring provisions will apply only to hires made on or after that date. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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