Texas Senate Bill SB558

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the confidentiality of eviction case information.

Impact

The bill outlines that eviction case information will be made confidential under specific circumstances, such as when a judgment is in favor of the defendant, or when a case is dismissed. This shift is expected to help residential tenants who have faced eviction without any fault of their own, particularly those evicted following a foreclosure. In doing so, the bill aims to provide a layer of protection against the stigmatization and discrimination faced by those with prior eviction records.

Summary

SB558 introduces significant changes to Texas property law by establishing confidentiality for eviction case information. Specifically, it amends the Property Code to include a new section that dictates the conditions under which eviction case records can be kept confidential. This is particularly important for defendants in eviction cases, aiming to protect their privacy and mitigate the long-term impacts that eviction records can have on their ability to secure housing in the future.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding SB558. Supporters argue that this bill empowers tenants and addresses the burdens that a public eviction record can impose on individuals seeking future housing. Critics, however, may raise concerns regarding the balance between tenant privacy and the public's right to know about legal proceedings. As courts and housing authorities adopt this new confidentiality, there might be discussions on its enforcement and implications for landlords and tenant screening processes, which rely on access to such records.