Texas Senate Bill SB491

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/22/24

Caption

Relating to the confidentiality of certain home address information in property tax appraisal records.

Impact

The bill seeks to amend existing property tax laws by focusing on maintaining confidentiality for vulnerable individuals such as peace officers, victims of domestic violence, and witnesses. By allowing these specific individuals to protect their home addresses from public disclosure, the bill plays a crucial role in safeguarding their privacy and enhancing their overall safety. This reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance public access to information with personal security concerns, particularly for those in high-risk categories.

Summary

SB491 addresses the need for confidentiality regarding home address information in property tax appraisal records. The bill outlines specific categories of individuals whose address information can be kept confidential to enhance their safety. This includes certain law enforcement personnel, victims of family violence, stalking, and other sensitive circumstances, aiming to provide them better protection against potential threats that may arise from public access to their personal information.

Contention

While SB491 is largely intended to improve protections for certain individuals, discussions around the bill may bring up concerns about the implications for transparency in public records. Some stakeholders might argue that increasing confidentiality risks obstructing the public's right to access property tax records, which could lead to debates about where to draw the line between privacy and transparency. Notably, the bill also stipulates that it prevails over any conflicting regulations, emphasizing its importance within the legal framework.

Notable_points

SB491 highlights the evolving conversation around privacy in the context of property tax records and safety for specific populations. Given the rise of concerns about domestic violence and targeted violence against certain groups, the legislature is responding by considering measures that enhance safety. Moreover, the bill reflects a proactive approach in legislative design that aims to consult evolving societal needs while ensuring that protections are in place for individuals who might be at greater risk due to their public professions or personal circumstances.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Tax Code

• Chapter 25. Local Appraisal
  • Section: 025