Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB345

Filed
11/24/08  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a business's duty to protect sensitive personal information contained in its customer records.

Impact

If enacted, HB345 would impact various state laws related to data security and consumer privacy. It emphasizes protecting consumers' personal information, particularly as it pertains to financial transactions and entities that handle such data. Additionally, the legislation introduces legal avenues for financial institutions to seek damages if a business fails to protect sensitive information, thereby enhancing accountability for businesses in case of a data breach.

Summary

House Bill 345 focuses on the obligations of businesses to protect sensitive personal information contained within their customer records. The bill mandates that businesses implement reasonable procedures to protect this data from unlawful use or disclosure. Notably, it requires that businesses comply with payment card industry data security standards if they collect and store sensitive personal information associated with access devices. These devices include credit and debit cards, implying a significant emphasis on financial transactions and data security.

Contention

The legislation's approach to data protection has raised points of contention regarding its implications for businesses. Some may argue that the compliance demands could impose financial burdens on smaller businesses lacking the resources to implement the necessary security measures, while others may assert the importance of robust data protection mechanisms to safeguard consumer rights. Furthermore, the provision that allows only financial institutions to file lawsuits in case of a breach could be seen as limiting consumers' rights to seek legal recourse directly.

Notable_points

One of the key features of HB345 is that it provides a provision for businesses to prove compliance with security standards before being held liable for breaches. This emphasizes proactive measures and aims to reduce litigation by allowing businesses to certify their compliance, potentially mitigating legal risks. The bill also hints at a structural shift in how data security obligations are administered, possibly leading to a more standardized approach to consumer data protection across the state.

Companion Bills

TX SB327

Identical Relating to a business's duty to protect sensitive personal information contained in its customer records.

Previously Filed As

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.

TX HB4854

Relating to the authority of individuals over the personal identifying information collected, processed, or maintained about the individuals and certain others by certain businesses.

TX HB4

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HB1844

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HB3573

Relating to modernizing the regulation of money services businesses.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX SB2105

Relating to the registration of and certain other requirements relating to data brokers; providing a civil penalty and authorizing a fee.

TX HB18

Relating to the protection of minors from harmful, deceptive, or unfair trade practices in connection with the use of certain digital services and electronic devices, including the use and transfer of electronic devices to students by a public school.

TX SB1204

Relating to state and local government information technology and information security.

TX HB30

Relating to access to certain law enforcement, corrections, and prosecutorial records under the public information law.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.