The bill, introduced by Hefner as H.B. No. 14, amends the Occupations Code by adding Section 1701.45351, which establishes requirements for law enforcement agencies regarding the maintenance of department files for each licensed employee. These department files are to be kept by the head of the agency or their designee and must include any documents related to the license holder that are not part of their personnel file, particularly those concerning alleged misconduct that did not result in sufficient evidence for charges. The bill also stipulates that hiring agencies have the right to access these files and that they must provide relevant contents to the commission upon request or as per agency policy.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the confidentiality of these department files, stating that they are not subject to public disclosure under Chapter 552 of the Government Code, except in specific circumstances such as ongoing investigations or compliance with certain policies. It also allows for limited disclosure under a meet and confer agreement established before September 1, 2025. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the management and confidentiality of files related to law enforcement employees while ensuring that pertinent information is accessible to authorized entities.

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