H.B. No. 4344 amends Section 411.14031 of the Government Code to enhance the Public Utility Commission of Texas's access to criminal history record information. The bill allows the Commission to obtain this information regarding applicants for employment, current employees, and contractors who provide goods or services. New provisions specify that the Commission can acquire criminal history records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other criminal justice agencies, ensuring that the information is used exclusively for the Commission's purposes and remains confidential.

Additionally, the bill establishes that the Commission is required to destroy any criminal history record information obtained after it has served its authorized purpose. It also prohibits the release or disclosure of this information without a court order or the consent of the individual concerned. The changes aim to streamline the process for the Commission while maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the criminal history information. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.14031 (Government Code 411)
House Committee Report: Government Code 411.14031 (Government Code 411)
Engrossed: Government Code 411.14031 (Government Code 411)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 411.14031 (Government Code 411)
Enrolled: Government Code 411.14031 (Government Code 411)