H.B. No. 2486 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 are confidential and not subject to public disclosure under Chapter 552 of the Government Code.

The bill also stipulates that hiring agencies have the right to access the contents of a license holder's department file. Additionally, law enforcement agencies are required to provide information from these files to the commission during ongoing investigations or as specified in existing regulations. However, outside of these circumstances, agencies are prohibited from releasing any information from the department files to other entities or individuals, ensuring the confidentiality of the records. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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