WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 694

Relating to the dissemination by the Department of Public Safety of criminal history record information to consumer reporting agencies.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by César Blanco and 1 co-sponsor

SB 694 authorizes Texas DPS to directly share criminal history records with consumer reporting agencies, expanding private data access to state criminal information.

Co-author authorized
#consumerreportingagencies(s0120) #criminalrecords(s0008) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311) #lawenforcement(i0510) #publicsafety #departmentof(v0251) #protectionofpersonalinformation(i0003)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 694

Legislative bill overview

SB 694 would authorize the Texas Department of Public Safety to share criminal history record information directly with consumer reporting agencies (credit bureaus and background check companies). Currently, these agencies typically obtain such records through other means or public databases. The bill streamlines this information-sharing process between a state agency and private entities that compile consumer reports.

Why is this important

Criminal history information significantly affects employment, housing, credit, and insurance opportunities for individuals. How and when this information flows to consumer reporting agencies directly impacts accuracy, timeliness, and the scope of background checks that affect millions of Texans' economic opportunities. This bill could expand access to criminal records, potentially affecting both public safety (faster information sharing) and consumer privacy (broader distribution of sensitive data).

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and data security: Direct state distribution of criminal records to multiple private companies increases data handling points, raising concerns about breaches, misuse, and data retention practices beyond state control
  • Accuracy and due process: Consumers may struggle to correct errors in criminal history records held by private agencies, especially if information flows directly from government sources perceived as authoritative
  • Scope and purpose creep: The bill's language on what information is shared, to whom, and for what purposes could be ambiguous, potentially allowing broader commercial use of criminal data than intended

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.