The Texas Advisory Committee Statement of Concern Regarding Implications of Arrest Information Included in Background Checks

The Texas Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights voted on February 5, 2024, to begin an investigation of the civil rights implications of arrest information appearing in background checks. While Commission staff began to do further research to develop a full project proposal, the Committee decided that while they think this is an issue that is likely impacting some, there is not enough research or information to pursue it as a project at this time. Consequently, to address the fact that arrest information contained in background checks does likely impact the civil rights of people in Texas, the Committee is issuing this Statement of Concern in lieu of a full report and may address this important issue in the future.