The bill, S.B. No. 554, amends the Local Government Code and the Occupations Code to allow legal permanent residents to be licensed as county jailers by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Specifically, it 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. Additionally, it allows political subdivisions to appoint or employ legal permanent residents as county jailers if they hold the appropriate license, and it establishes criteria for issuing licenses to legal permanent residents, including the requirement to apply for U.S. citizenship.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 1701.451 to clarify the hiring process for law enforcement agencies, ensuring that they obtain necessary documentation for both U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement is tasked with updating its rules by December 1, 2025, to align with these changes, which will take effect on September 1, 2025. The bill aims to expand employment opportunities within law enforcement for legal permanent residents while maintaining standards for licensure and hiring practices.

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