H.B. No. 15 introduces a new section, 1701.45351, to the Occupations Code, which mandates that law enforcement agencies maintain a "department file" for each licensed employee. This file is intended for internal use and must include any documents related to the employee that are not part of their personnel file, particularly those concerning alleged misconduct that did not have sufficient evidence for charges. The head of the agency or their designee is responsible for maintaining these files, which are subject to specific disclosure requirements under existing laws.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that when a law enforcement agency hires a new license holder, it is entitled to review the department files from previous employers. The contents of these files must be provided to the commission upon request or in accordance with the agency's policy. Importantly, the information contained in a department file is confidential and cannot be released to other agencies or individuals, except as specified in the bill, ensuring the privacy of the license holders. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session.

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