H.B. No. 4257 amends the Occupations Code to establish new United States citizenship requirements for individuals applying for peace officer licenses in Texas. Specifically, it introduces Section 1701.3091, which mandates that applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship when applying for or renewing a peace officer license, with an exception for subsequent renewals if the initial proof has been provided. Additionally, the bill modifies Section 1701.451(a) to require law enforcement agencies to confirm that a potential hire is either a U.S. citizen or, if not, a legal permanent resident who is an honorably discharged veteran with at least two years of service and has applied for citizenship.

The bill stipulates that these changes will only apply to applications for peace officer licenses and hiring processes initiated on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for July 1, 2025, contingent upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature. If the necessary vote is not achieved, the Act will take effect on September 1, 2025. The legislation aims to ensure that peace officers in Texas meet specific citizenship criteria, thereby enhancing the integrity of law enforcement personnel.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 1701.451 (Occupations Code 1701)
House Committee Report: Occupations Code 1701.451 (Occupations Code 1701)