Special to the AdvanceAUSTIN — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently announced that the Violent Offender Database is now available. This new database launched on December 29, 2023 ― officially going live ahead of its required Jan. 1, 2024, deadline.The new database was created by House Bill 5202 during the regular session of the 88th Texas Legislature. This bill required DPS to create and maintain a public centralized database of offenders who have committed certain violent offenses, including those involving family violence. DPS provides access to the website free of charge.The Violent Offender Database contains information regarding offenders who,