S.B. No. 1640 aims to enhance access to criminal history record information for the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and related agencies concerning providers and applicants for Medicaid and other public benefits programs. The bill amends Section 411.1143 of the Government Code, changing the heading to clarify that it pertains to agencies administering or operating medical assistance and other public benefits programs. It also revises the language to broaden the scope of criminal history information that can be obtained, specifically including individuals with significant ownership interests, managing employees, and those in leadership positions within the provider organizations.

The bill introduces new definitions for terms such as "managing employee" and "ownership interest," which clarify the roles and financial stakes of individuals involved with providers. It specifies that the HHSC is entitled to obtain criminal history information related to individuals with a direct or indirect ownership interest of five percent or more, as well as managing employees who have operational control over the provider. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 411.1143 (Government Code 411)