House Bill No. 5097 aims to improve access to criminal history record information and streamline the procedures for obtaining such information while updating terminology related to licenses requiring background checks. Key amendments include the requirement for individuals requesting criminal history information to provide their full name, date of birth, sex, and a number from an unexpired identification card, while removing the need for a social security number. The bill also allows the Texas Department of Insurance to obtain criminal history information for a wider range of applicants and license holders involved in various insurance-related activities. Additionally, it modifies the rules governing the dissemination of criminal history information, ensuring it is released only under specific conditions, such as court orders or with the individual's consent. The bill further amends various sections of the Government Code and the Occupations Code to update the licensing and regulatory framework for several professions in Texas. Notably, it replaces the "State Board of Examiners of Psychologists" with the "Behavioral Health Executive Council" and expands the list of licenses for which the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality can obtain criminal history record information, adding new licenses for water supply system operators, backflow prevention assembly testers, and on-site sewage facility roles. It also modifies the Texas Medical Board's authority to obtain criminal history information for additional applicants, including those seeking employment with the Board. The bill introduces provisions for the Texas State Board of Pharmacy to obtain fingerprints from applicants and employees and establishes a new "associate license" category for individuals meeting academic and examination requirements but still under supervision. These changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.095, Government Code 411.106, Government Code 411.1143, Government Code 411.122, Government Code 411.12506, Government Code 411.12508, Government Code 411.12509, Government Code 411.12517, Occupations Code 503.308, Occupations Code 1201.003 (Government Code 411, Occupations Code 503, Occupations Code 1201)
House Committee Report: Government Code 411.0845, Government Code 411.086, Government Code 411.087, Government Code 411.095, Government Code 411.106, Government Code 411.1143, Government Code 411.122, Government Code 411.12506, Government Code 411.12508, Government Code 411.12509, Government Code 411.12510, Government Code 411.12511, Government Code 411.12517, Government Code 411.136, Occupations Code 503.308 (Government Code 411, Occupations Code 503, Occupations Code 1201)