Relating to consideration of criminal history of applicants for public employment.

SB 589, effective September 1, 2025, prohibits Texas public employers (such as state agencies, local governments, and public schools) from asking about or checking an applicant's criminal history before making a preliminary job offer. Employers may instead inform applicants in advance if certain criminal convictions would disqualify them for the position or ask a limited question on the initial application about specific disqualifying offenses. After a preliminary job offer is made, employers may then check criminal history. The law excludes school districts and law enforcement positions requiring a license under Texas law.