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Bill

HB 5432

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

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Mihaela Pleșa

HB 5432 permits Texas DPS to share criminal history records with consumer reporting agencies, expanding private sector access to arrest and conviction data.

Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
#consumerreportingagencies(s0120) #criminalrecords(s0008) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311) #lawenforcement(i0510) #publicsafety #departmentof(v0251) #protectionofpersonalinformation(i0003)
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Bill Summary · HB 5432

Legislative bill overview

HB 5432 would authorize the Texas Department of Public Safety to share criminal history record information with consumer reporting agencies (credit bureaus and similar entities). This represents a policy shift in how criminal records are distributed beyond traditional law enforcement and judicial channels.

Why is this important

Criminal history information significantly affects employment, housing, credit access, and other opportunities. Expanding dissemination to consumer reporting agencies would make arrest and conviction records more widely available to private companies and the public, potentially increasing collateral consequences for individuals with criminal records while also potentially improving background check accuracy.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Broader distribution of criminal records could amplify surveillance and discrimination risks, particularly for individuals with sealed or expunged records, or those arrested but not convicted
  • Rehabilitation and reentry: Expanded access may hinder employment and housing prospects for formerly incarcerated individuals attempting to reintegrate, potentially contradicting rehabilitation goals
  • Data accuracy and consent: Questions about whether individuals should consent to having their criminal history shared with private entities, and whether all records distributed are accurate and current

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

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