ACCESS TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION: HIGHER EDUCATION ENTITIES; SECURITY-SENSITIVE POSITION.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Institution of higher education":

(A) has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code; or

(B) means a private institution of higher education that is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

(2) "Security-sensitive position" means an employment position held by an employee who:

(A) handles currency;

(B) has access to a computer terminal;

(C) has access to the personal information or identifying information of another person;

(D) has access to the financial information of the employer or another person;

(E) has access to a master key; or

(F) works in a location designated as a security-sensitive area.

(b) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and each institution of higher education are entitled to obtain from the department criminal history record information maintained by the department that relates to a person who is an applicant for a security-sensitive position at the coordinating board or institution, as applicable.

(c) Criminal history record information obtained under Subsection (b) may be used only for the purpose of evaluating applicants for employment in security-sensitive positions.

(d) Criminal history record information received under Subsection (b) may not be released or disclosed to any person except on court order or with the consent of the person who is the subject of the criminal history record information.

(e) All criminal history record information obtained about an individual under Subsection (b) shall be destroyed by the coordinating board or by the chief of police of the institution of higher education, as applicable, as soon as practicable after the individual becomes employed in a security-sensitive position and after the expiration of any probationary term of employment or, if the individual is not hired for a security-sensitive position, after the information is used for its authorized purpose.