Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2892

Filed
2/14/25  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2892 would significantly modify existing laws regarding the handling of personal data by public agencies. It would establish strict penalties for violations, classifying breaches as criminal offenses subject to misdemeanor charges. Moreover, individuals would have legal recourse to sue public agencies for any unauthorized release of their affiliation information, thus broadening the legal landscape surrounding privacy rights in relation to nonprofit organizational involvement.

Summary

House Bill 2892 addresses the protection of personal affiliation information related to nonprofit organizations, which includes details about members, supporters, volunteers, and donors. The bill prohibits public agencies from requiring or disclosing such information without the individual's consent, thereby creating a new legal framework aimed at safeguarding the privacy of those involved with nonprofits. The overarching intention of the bill is to enhance confidentiality and trust within the nonprofit sector by preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2892 appears to be largely supportive within nonprofit sectors, as it promises to bolster privacy protections. Advocates for the bill highlight its potential for enhancing the security and confidentiality of nonprofit operations. However, there may be concerns about the implications of increased restrictions for government transparency and accountability, leading to debates about the balance between privacy and public oversight of nonprofit organizations. Opponents might argue that such protections could hinder legitimate inquiries into the activities of nonprofits and raise complications in oversight.

Contention

Discussion about HB 2892 has revealed notable points of contention, particularly regarding the tension between privacy rights and the transparency obligations of public agencies. Critics fear that overly stringent protections could lead to an environment where public agencies cannot effectively monitor nonprofit compliance with regulations. Furthermore, the specific provisions regarding civil actions and penalties might be seen as excessive by some lawmakers, leading to potential challenges regarding the bill's enforcement and effectiveness in achieving its intended goals.

Companion Bills

TX SB1299

Identical 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.

Previously Filed As

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 HB4585

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 SB1422

Relating to enforcement of criminal offenses by state agencies, law enforcement agencies, political subdivisions, or local entities.

TX HB3499

Relating to foreign terrorist organizations, including the acquisition of title to real property by, the compilation of information regarding, certain civil actions brought against, and the prosecution of certain organized crime offenses involving a foreign terrorist organization.

TX SB1900

Relating to foreign terrorist organizations, including the compilation of information regarding, certain civil actions brought against, and the prosecution of certain organized crime offenses involving a foreign terrorist organization and of sedition.

TX SB1754

Relating to certain restrictions on the use of personally identifiable information pertaining to a public school student by an operator or educational entity.

TX SB182

Relating to the required report of criminal offenses committed against individuals receiving certain state agency services; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1518

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB4379

Relating to citations and arrests for criminal offenses and pretrial detention and release.

Similar Bills

CA SB543

Department of General Services: nonprofit liaison.

WY SF0050

Unincorporated nonprofit DAO's.

CA AB1185

California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

NJ AJR161

Permanently designates August 17th as "Nonprofit Day" in NJ.

NJ SJR96

Permanently designates August 17th as "Nonprofit Day" in NJ.

CA AB1229

Unincorporated associations: decentralized nonprofit associations.

CA ACR191

California Nonprofits Day.

CA SB729

State of emergency: nonprofit liaison.