WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 3585

Relating to the employment policies of and criminal history record information obtained by mental hospitals and mental health facilities and the prohibited employment of certain applicants based on criminal history record information.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Keresa Richardson

HB 3585 limits mental health facilities' use of criminal history records in hiring decisions, expanding employment access for people with convictions while potentially affecting workplace safety policies.

Referred to Public Health
#criminalrecords(s0008) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #drug&alcoholtesting(s0010) #healthcareproviders(i0387) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3585

Legislative bill overview

HB 3585 would restrict mental hospitals and mental health facilities in Texas from using certain criminal history records when making employment decisions. The bill appears designed to prevent blanket employment denials based solely on criminal history, potentially requiring individualized assessment of applicants' criminal backgrounds in relation to the specific job duties.

Why is this important

Mental health facilities employ thousands of Texans in direct patient care roles. These restrictions could expand employment opportunities for people with criminal records while raising concerns about facility safety, patient vulnerability, and institutional liability—particularly given that mental health settings often serve vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety vs. second chances: Balancing the need to protect vulnerable patients in psychiatric settings against giving people with criminal convictions meaningful employment opportunities
  • Scope of criminal history restrictions: Uncertainty about which specific crimes or conviction types would be prohibited from consideration, and whether blanket exclusions for certain offenses remain permissible
  • Liability and duty of care: Whether facilities could be held liable if an employee with a relevant criminal history causes harm, and how this affects institutional risk management practices

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

Sign in to ask a question.