Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Texas House Bill HB273

Caption

Relating to the release or disclosure of vaccination or immunization information to certain persons; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

If passed, the bill will introduce civil penalties ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 for violations related to the unauthorized release of vaccination information. The attorney general is empowered to pursue legal action to collect these penalties. These measures signify a strict approach towards maintaining the confidentiality of immunization records and ensuring compliance by health authorities.

Summary

House Bill 273 aims to amend the Health and Safety Code concerning the release and disclosure of vaccination and immunization information. Specifically, it prohibits employees or agents of the department or health authority from disclosing an individual's vaccination information without obtaining written or electronic consent from the individual or their legally authorized representative. This regulation enhances the protection of personal health information amidst ongoing discussions about privacy in health records.

Contention

The provisions of HB273 reflect ongoing national debates concerning individual rights to privacy versus public health interests. While proponents of the bill advocate for stronger protections of individual health information, opponents may argue that the constraints could hinder the effectiveness of public health measures, particularly during emergencies when swift access to vaccination records may be vital. The balance between privacy rights and the needs of health authorities to access records in certain scenarios is likely to be a central point of discussion as the bill moves forward.

Companion Bills

TX SB74

Similar To Relating to the release or disclosure of vaccination or immunization information to certain persons; providing a civil penalty.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4730

Relating to the release or disclosure of vaccination or immunization information to certain persons; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB172

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.

TX SB342

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.

TX HB4262

Relating to requirements for and prohibited uses of information contained in the immunization registry.

TX SB2023

Relating to requirements for and prohibited uses of information contained in the immunization registry.

TX SB1014

Relating to restrictions on the use and disclosure of certain genetic material and genetic information; providing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB304

Relating to prohibited immunization status discrimination and vaccine mandates; authorizing administrative penalties.

TX SB704

Relating to the capture and use of an individual's biometric identifiers, specimen, or genetic information by a governmental body or peace officer or by a person for commercial purposes; authorizing civil penalties.

TX SB958

Relating to the prohibited release by a public agency of personal affiliation information regarding the members, supporters, or volunteers of or donors to certain nonprofit organizations; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB928

Relating to the protection of personally identifiable student information and the use of covered information by an operator or educational entity; authorizing a civil and administrative penalty.

Similar Bills

TX HB1879

Relating to the receipt and release of immunization information by the immunization registry in connection with a disaster.

TX HB2383

Relating to the receipt and release of immunization information by the immunization registry in connection with a disaster.

TX SB347

Relating to the receipt and release of immunization information by the immunization registry in connection with a disaster; providing penalties.

TX HB2872

Relating to the release or disclosure of vaccination or immunization information; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB4730

Relating to the release or disclosure of vaccination or immunization information to certain persons; providing a civil penalty.

TX SB74

Relating to the release or disclosure of vaccination or immunization information to certain persons; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB120

Relating to the release or disclosure of vaccination or immunization information to certain persons; providing a civil penalty.

TX SB29

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.