TX SB781

Requires law enforcement agency heads to maintain a "department file" on each licensed peace officer employed by the agency, separate from the standard personnel file

Department files must contain letters, memorandums, and documents about the officer not in the personnel file, including records of alleged misconduct where the agency found insufficient evidence to sustain charges

Allows hiring law enforcement agencies to view a prospective employee's department file, and requires agencies to share file contents with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement per agency policy or upon commission request during investigations

Makes department files subject to criminal discovery disclosure requirements under Article 39.14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and allows disclosure if permitted under meet and confer agreements entered before September 1, 2025

Declares department files confidential and exempt from public disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552), with unauthorized release requests referred to the agency head