AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Senate passed House Bill 1690, (HB 1690), which will move the Public Integrity Unit from the Travis County District Attorney’s Office to the Texas Ranger Division of the Department of Public Safety.

“Moving the Public Integrity Unit to a politically neutral investigative agency begins the long overdue process of restoring its own accountability and rebuilding the public’s trust,” said Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. “It is important and befitting that any alleged unlawful activity by a public official be investigated by the Texas Rangers and prosecuted fairly in the official’s home jurisdiction.

“The public deserves assurance that elected officials operate above board and within the law; however, they also should know the Public Integrity Unit’s most important function is integrity,” concluded Patrick.

The Public Integrity Unit previously has been responsible for conducting investigations and prosecuting complaints alleging offenses against public administration.