Relating to the maintenance of criminal history record information for group home applicants and employees; creating a criminal offense.

SB 1782 requires owners or operators of Texas group homes to obtain and maintain criminal history records from the Texas Department of Public Safety for all job applicants and employees. It mandates keeping records for at least 30 days after rejecting an applicant or for the entire employment duration if hired. The bill prohibits hiring individuals convicted of specific offenses listed in the Penal Code (including violent crimes, sexual offenses, and certain drug offenses) and imposes Class B misdemeanor penalties for failing to conduct checks or Class A misdemeanor penalties for hiring prohibited individuals. This law directly affects group homes - defined as facilities housing unrelated residents with basic services like meals and housekeeping but excluding licensed care facilities, hotels, or dormitories - and takes effect September 1, 2025.