S.B. No. 781 introduces a new section, 1701.45351, to the Occupations Code, which mandates that law enforcement agencies maintain a "department file" for each licensed employee. This file is to include any documents related to the employee that are not part of their personnel file, specifically addressing allegations of misconduct that were not substantiated. The head of the agency or their designee is responsible for maintaining these files, which must be accessible to agencies hiring the license holder and may be disclosed to the commission during investigations.

The bill also stipulates that while department files are generally confidential and not subject to public disclosure under Chapter 552 of the Government Code, they can be shared under specific circumstances, such as compliance with agency policies or ongoing investigations. Additionally, the bill allows for information disclosure if permitted by a meet and confer agreement established before September 1, 2025. The provisions of this act will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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