The bill, H.B. No. 1561, seeks to amend 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. 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 specifies that political subdivisions can appoint legal permanent residents as county jailers if they hold the appropriate license, and it allows for the hiring of legal permanent residents in other positions if they are honorably discharged veterans with specific service requirements.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 1701.3095 to ensure that the commission issues licenses to legal permanent residents who meet certain criteria, including evidence of applying for U.S. citizenship. It also updates the hiring process for law enforcement agencies, requiring them to verify the legal status of applicants, including proof of citizenship or legal permanent residence. The bill mandates that the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement amend its rules by December 1, 2025, to align with these changes, and it establishes that the new hiring provisions will take effect on that date.

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