The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has initiated the Violent Offender Database - a centralized repository of individuals who have committed violent crimes. This database is a result of House Bill 5202, passed during the 88th regular session of the Texas Legislature.

As per the DPS press release, this new database will be accessible online to the public free of charge. It will feature violent offenders in Texas who have been convicted two or more times for crimes such as assault, sexual assault, aggravated assault, family violence, stalking, or a combination of these offenses.

House Bill 5202, which led to the creation of this database, was a bipartisan bill sponsored by Texas state Representatives Victoria Neave Criado (D-Texas), Angie Chen Button (R-Texas), Morgan Meyer (R-Texas), Rafael Anchia (D-Texas), and Vikki Goodwin (D-Texas) in the House. The bill's history on Texas Legislature Online reveals that its Senate sponsor was former state Senator John Whitmire (D-Texas). House Bill 5202 passed with a vote count of 30-to-1 out of the Senate and 129-to-13 out of the House. Senator Bob Hall (R-Texas) was the sole opposition in the Senate.

The database officially became operational on Dec. 29, 2023 and can be accessed by the public via DPS's website. It provides details such as the offender's full name, a recent photograph, their date of birth, physical description, date of conviction and punishment for the offense. The press release further states that DPS collaborated with the Texas Council on Family Violence to establish this dashboard on their website.

The mission statement on its website outlines that DPS aims to protect and serve Texan citizens. Its strategic objectives include preventing crime and terrorism, safeguarding lives and property, maintaining public order, and providing licensing services.