A Republican-backed proposal moving through the Texas Legislature would restrict public access to police misconduct records, sparking criticism from transparency advocates and families of Uvalde shooting victims who say the bill threatens accountability.
Senate Bill 15, authored by Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, would require law enforcement agencies statewide to keep a confidential “department file” for every peace officer. The file could include unsubstantiated complaints, background checks and other sensitive information. Those records would be exempt from disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act.
King and other supporters argue the measure would protect officers from reputational harm tied to false or unverified allegations while also standardizing recordkeeping across the state. Currently, G-files exist only in certain civil-service cities, such as Austin, Houston and San Antonio.
Critics contend the bill could shield key details from public scrutiny, particularly in cases like the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, where families and journalists have fought for years to obtain law enforcement records. A judge ordered the release of many documents in 2023, but appeals have delayed their disclosure.
“SB 15 risks keeping vital information hidden from the people most affected,” said Angel Garza, stepfather of one of the victims, in testimony to lawmakers. “Families deserve answers.”
The bill passed the Senate this month by an 18-12 vote after receiving emergency status from Gov. Greg Abbott. It now heads to the House, where action had been delayed by a Democratic walkout earlier in August. If approved, the measure would take effect in December.
Transparency advocates, including the Texas Freedom of Information Foundation, say SB 15 represents one of the most significant rollbacks of open records law in decades. “This would undercut public trust in policing at a time when accountability is desperately needed,” said Kelley Shannon, the group’s executive director.
The debate comes as the 15th Court of Appeals weighs whether the Department of Public Safety must release thousands of pages tied to the Uvalde shooting response. A ruling in that case could collide with the provisions of SB 15, setting up a potential legal clash over access to government records.