87R5226 SGM-F
 
  By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 1563
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the disclosure of information in department files of
  fire fighters or police officers in certain municipalities.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 143.089, Local Government Code, is
  amended by amending Subsection (g) and adding Subsection (h) to
  read as follows:
         (g)  A fire or police department may maintain a personnel
  file on a fire fighter or police officer employed by the department
  for the department's use. The information contained in the
  department file is public information subject to disclosure under
  Chapter 552, Government Code, unless the information is made
  confidential under that chapter or other law [, but the department
  may not release any information contained in the department file to
  any agency or person requesting information relating to a fire
  fighter or police officer. The department shall refer to the
  director or the director's designee a person or agency that
  requests information that is maintained in the fire fighter's or
  police officer's personnel file].
         (h)  Before the department responds to a request for public
  information under Subsection (g), the department shall provide the
  fire fighter or police officer with a copy of the request and
  written notice of the department's intent to comply with the
  request.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.