Senate Bill No. 989 introduces new provisions regarding the criminal history record information requirements for applicants seeking appointment or employment as court officials, such as masters, magistrates, referees, and associate judges, in Texas state courts. The bill mandates that these applicants must submit a complete set of fingerprints to the court or the Department of Public Safety to facilitate a criminal history check. Courts are prohibited from appointing or employing applicants without conducting this check, which must include information provided by the applicant and data from the Department of Public Safety and other criminal justice agencies.

Additionally, the bill establishes that district courts and other courts with criminal jurisdiction can access criminal history records for evaluating applicants for these positions. The information obtained can only be used for evaluation purposes and cannot be disclosed without the subject's consent. Furthermore, any criminal history records obtained must be destroyed after the expiration of the individual's probationary term of employment. The provisions outlined in this bill will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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