This bill, S.B. No. 554, amends the Local Government Code and the Occupations Code to allow legal permanent residents of the United States to be licensed as county jailers by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. The bill specifically modifies Section 370.007 to replace the term "veterans" with "legal permanent residents" in the context of appointing or employing individuals for positions requiring licensure. It also introduces provisions that enable political subdivisions to hire legal permanent residents as county jailers, provided they hold the necessary license, and allows for the hiring of legal permanent residents in other positions if they are honorably discharged veterans with at least two years of service.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 1701.3095 to clarify the licensing process for legal permanent residents, ensuring they can obtain a county jailer license if they meet the required criteria. It also updates the hiring process outlined in Section 1701.451 to include provisions for verifying the legal status of applicants, specifically allowing for the hiring of legal permanent residents as county jailers. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement is tasked with amending relevant rules by December 1, 2025, to align with these changes, which will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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