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 "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, with certain exceptions.

Under the new provisions, public employers may inform applicants about specific criminal convictions that would disqualify them from consideration for a position, and they may include a question on initial applications regarding disqualifying convictions, provided it is limited to relevant offenses. The bill clarifies that public employers can obtain criminal history information only after a conditional offer has been made. The changes will apply to employment applications submitted on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, with prior applications governed by existing law.

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