Texas Senate Bill SB1809

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to emergency contact and medical information maintained by the Department of Public Safety.

Impact

The bill mandates that the DPS create and make available an electronic form for individuals to submit and manage their emergency medical and contact information through the department's website. This transition to electronic information systems is expected to modernize how the state handles vital personal data, making it more user-friendly and protective of individuals' medical needs in urgent situations.

Summary

SB1809 is an act aimed at improving the management of emergency contact and medical information by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). By amending the Transportation Code, this bill introduces procedures and forms that allow individuals to maintain and update their emergency information electronically. This process is designed to enhance efficiency and accessibility for Texans, ensuring critical medical information can be quickly accessed in emergencies, particularly by first responders.

Contention

While the bill is generally seen as a positive step towards streamlining access to critical information, potential points of contention lie with concerns over data privacy and security. Critics may argue that increasing the digital footprint of sensitive medical information could expose individuals to risks if not adequately protected against breaches. As such, discussions may revolve around establishing the necessary safeguards to ensure that the information is handled securely and is only accessible by authorized personnel in emergency situations.