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HB3686

Regular Session

Relating to the information included on an identification card issued to certain retired peace and law enforcement officers.

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
HB3686
Relating to the information included on an identification card issued to certain retired peace and law enforcement officers.
Low Urgency
Unanimous Passage
House Vote146 - 0
YEA
100% in favor146 voting
Senate Vote31 - 0
YEA
100% in favor31 voting
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
State and Local Law Enforcement ...TCOLE
Primary Author: Rep. Sam Harless
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline: September 1, 2025 (All cards issued or renewed on or after this date must comply).
  • Agency Rulemaking: No specific rulemaking is mandated by the bill; however, agencies should monitor TCOLE for potential guidance on standardizing rank abbreviations.

Immediate Action Plan

  • 1. Audit ID Software: Confirm your current card printer software allows for the addition of a new variable data field.
  • 2. Contact Vendors: Initiate template updates with your ID card vendor by July 1, 2025, to ensure readiness before the effective date.
  • 3. Clean Data: Review files of officers pending retirement to ensure "Final Rank" is clearly designated in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
  • 4. Update Policy: Revise the department's General Orders regarding retiree identification to explicitly require rank verification prior to issuance.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • ID System Vendors: Review Master Service Agreements (MSAs) with third-party vendors responsible for ID card software or printing.
  • Change Orders: Issue change orders immediately to modify card templates. The design must accommodate a new, legible text field for "Rank/Position" without obscuring existing statutory requirements (photo, thumbprint, dates).

Hiring/Training

  • Verification Protocol: Records division staff must be trained to verify the "Final Rank" against the officer’s final F-5 (Separation of Licensee) report or official personnel file before printing. Reliance on the retiree’s verbal assertion is no longer sufficient for compliance.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Database Configuration: Internal personnel databases and ID issuance software must be updated to include a dedicated export field for "Rank at Retirement."
  • Audit Trail: Maintain documentation of the source record used to verify the rank in case the credential's validity is challenged under LEOSA (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act) protocols.

Fees & Costs

  • Template Re-design: Expect nominal one-time costs associated with software template reconfiguration by vendors.
  • No New State Fees: The bill does not impose new state fees for issuance.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • "Rank" vs. "Position": The statute requires "rank or position" but offers no granularity. It is unclear if generic titles (e.g., "Detective") suffice or if specific payroll classifications (e.g., "Sergeant II") are required. Guidance: Until TCOLE clarifies, default to the rank displayed on the officer's badge or official commission at retirement.
  • Space Constraints & Abbreviations: Long titles (e.g., "Assistant Deputy Chief") may not fit on standard CR-80 cards. Agencies must develop a standardized, internal list of abbreviations to ensure consistency and legibility.

Need Help Understanding Implementation?

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Mar 4, 2025
Passed House
May 6, 2025
Passed Senate
May 28, 2025
Signed
Jun 20, 2025
TopicsFire Fighters & PoliceFire Fighters & Police--generalLaw EnforcementState Agencies, Boards & CommissionsIdentification CardsPeace OfficersRetirement SystemsRetirement Systems--police & Firefighters
03

House Authors

Rep. Sam HarlessRepublican · Primary Author

Senate Sponsor

Sen. Tan ParkerRepublican · Primary Sponsor

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

Related Legislation

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More from Rep. Sam Harless

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Related by Topic

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about HB3686

Q

What does Texas HB3686 do?

HB3686 mandates that all identification cards issued to honorably retired peace officers and qualified retired law enforcement officers must explicitly display the individual's rank or position at the time of retirement. This requirement affects every state agency, municipality, county, and special district (including ISDs and universities) that maintains a law enforcement department and issues retiree credentials. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: September 1, 2025 Compliance Deadline: September 1, 2025 (All cards issued or renewed on or after this date must comply).

Q

Who authored HB3686?

HB3686 was authored by Texas Representative Sam Harless during the Regular Session.

Q

When was HB3686 signed into law?

HB3686 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce HB3686?

HB3686 is enforced by State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies (Issuers) and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

Q

How urgent is compliance with HB3686?

The compliance urgency for HB3686 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of HB3686?

The cost impact of HB3686 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does HB3686 address?

HB3686 addresses topics including fire fighters & police, fire fighters & police--general, law enforcement, state agencies, boards & commissions and identification cards.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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