The bill, S.B. No. 589, introduces Chapter 621 to the Government Code, which outlines the regulations regarding the consideration of criminal history for applicants seeking public employment in Texas. It defines a "public employer" to include various state government entities and political subdivisions, while explicitly stating that the chapter does not apply to independent school districts or positions within law enforcement agencies that require a license. The bill prohibits public employers from obtaining criminal history information or asking applicants about their criminal history before making a conditional offer of employment, although it allows for notifications regarding disqualifying convictions and limited inquiries on initial application forms.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that public employers may obtain criminal history information only after a conditional offer has been made. The changes enacted by this bill will apply to employment applications submitted on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that applications submitted prior to this date will be governed by the existing laws.

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