The bill, S.B. No. 2396, introduces new regulations for the owners or operators of residential child detention facilities in Texas. It adds Section 411.14103 to the Government Code, which allows these facilities to access criminal history record information for individuals applying for employment or currently employed, as well as for consultants, contractors, interns, or volunteers. The bill stipulates that this information can only be used for evaluating applicants and must be destroyed after a specified period. Additionally, it prohibits the release of this information without a court order or consent from the individual involved.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 250.013 of the Local Government Code, clarifying the definition of "owner or operator" to include both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. It mandates that these facilities enter into a memorandum of understanding with local governing bodies, which includes requirements for reporting illnesses, providing safety and education plans, and conducting regular inspections. It also requires criminal history background checks for facility personnel if a significant portion of their funding comes from the state, with penalties for non-compliance. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and facilities must comply with the new memorandum requirements by December 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 250.013 (Local Government Code 250)