TX SB538

Expands eligibility for Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licenses to all legal permanent residents of the United States, removing the previous requirement that applicants be honorably discharged veterans with at least two years of military service

Allows political subdivisions to hire any legal permanent resident who holds the appropriate TCOLE license for positions requiring such licensure, rather than only veteran legal permanent residents

Requires legal permanent residents seeking licensure or employment to submit an affidavit affirming their intent to apply for U.S. citizenship within six months of becoming eligible to do so

Directs TCOLE to prescribe the affidavit form and amend its rules by December 1, 2025, to comply with the new requirements

Applies the new hiring requirements only to law enforcement agency hires occurring on or after December 1, 2025, with the bill taking effect September 1, 2025