The bill amends Section 411.14031 of the Government Code to enhance the Public Utility Commission of Texas's access to criminal history record information. It allows the Commission to obtain this information for specific individuals, including applicants for employment, employees with access to confidential records, and contractors with similar access. New provisions specify that the Commission can obtain criminal history records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other criminal justice agencies, ensuring that the information pertains to the individuals described in the bill.

Additionally, the bill establishes that the criminal history information obtained is confidential and privileged, prohibiting the Commission from disclosing it to any person or agency without a court order or the subject's consent. It also mandates that the Commission must destroy the information after it has been used for its intended purpose. The changes aim to streamline the process while maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information, with the new provisions set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.14031 (Government Code 411)