Texas law gives DFPS the authority to obtain criminal history information from certain other agencies, if funds appropriated by the Legislature are available for this purpose. These other agencies are the following:

• The Department of Public Safety (DPS), as stated in Texas Government Code §411.114.
• Other law enforcement agencies in Texas, subject to the same procedures and limitations in Government Code §411.114, as applicable.
• Federal agencies, as provided by federal law.

Texas Human Resources Code, §40.054

The Texas Government Code provides that there are criminal penalties for doing any of the following:

• Obtaining criminal history information in an unauthorized manner.
• Using criminal history information for an unauthorized purpose.
• Disclosing or providing a copy of criminal history information to a person who is not entitled to the information.

Depending on the circumstances, the penalty is a Class B misdemeanor or a second-degree felony.

Texas Government Code §411.085