Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1569

Filed
2/24/25  
Out of Senate Committee
3/26/25  
Voted on by Senate
4/10/25  
Out of House Committee
4/29/25  
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the availability of certain personal information of a member of the governing board of an institution of higher education, the chief executive officer of the institution, or the chief executive officer of a university system.

Impact

If enacted, SB1569 will significantly affect the landscape of information sharing within Texas higher education institutions. It will provide a new layer of privacy protection for those in significant administrative roles, thereby aligning with broader trends towards safeguarding personal information in an increasingly digital age. Institutions of higher education will need to adjust their data management practices to comply with the new privacy requirements, ensuring proper handling and safeguarding of the protected data.

Summary

Senate Bill 1569 seeks to amend the Texas Government Code to enhance the privacy of personal information for members of the governing board of institutions of higher education and the chief executive officers of universities and university systems. The bill specifically protects data such as home addresses, phone numbers, emergency contact information, and social security numbers from being disclosed, ensuring that this sensitive information is kept confidential from public access, thereby enhancing the security of these public figures.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1569 appears largely positive, with support from various stakeholders interested in protecting the privacy of university officials. Proponents believe that safeguarding the personal information of individuals in higher education leadership roles is essential, given the potential risks of harassment or targeted criminal activity. However, some critics might argue that such protections could limit transparency and accountability in institutions of higher education.

Contention

Notable points of contention, while not extensively documented in the discussions, could revolve around the balance between privacy and public transparency. While there may be strong support for protecting individual privacy, concerns may arise about the implications of such protections on public access to information about the governance and operations of public universities. The discussions may touch upon whether the increased privacy for certain officials could undermine public trust and insight into university management.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 552. Public Information
    • Section: 117
    • Section: 1175
    • Section: 117
    • Section: 1175
    • Section: 117
    • Section: 1175
    • Section: 117
    • Section: 1175
    • Section: 117
    • Section: 1175
    • Section: 117
    • Section: 1175
    • Section: 117
    • Section: 1175

Tax Code

  • Chapter 25. Local Appraisal
    • Section: 025
    • Section: 025
    • Section: 025
    • Section: 025
    • Section: 025
    • Section: 025

Occupations Code

  • Chapter 1701. Law Enforcement Officers
    • Section: 001
    • Section: 001
    • Section: 001
    • Section: 001
  • Chapter 1702. Private Security
    • Section: 002
    • Section: 002
    • Section: 002

Family Code

  • Chapter 261. Investigation Of Report Of Child Abuse Or Neglect
    • Section: 405
    • Section: 405
    • Section: 405
  • Chapter 71. Definitions
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 231. Title Iv-d Services
    • Section: New Section

Education Code

  • Chapter 61. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
    • Section: 212

Human Resources Code

  • Chapter 12. Penal Provisions
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 2. General Duties Of Officers
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 773. Emergency Medical Services
    • Section: 003
    • Section: 003

Companion Bills

TX HB4136

Same As Relating to the availability of certain personal information of a member of the governing board of an institution of higher education, the chief executive officer of the institution, or the chief executive officer of a university system.

Similar Bills

TX HB4136

Relating to the availability of certain personal information of a member of the governing board of an institution of higher education, the chief executive officer of the institution, or the chief executive officer of a university system.

TX HB759

Relating to the availability of personal information of a child protective services caseworker, adult protective services caseworker, or investigator.

TX SB1494

Relating to the confidentiality of personal information of certain employees and contractors of the Department of Family and Protective Services and of certain elected officials.

TX SB1431

Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for a current or former administrative law judge for the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

TX SB56

Relating to the availability of personal information of a current or former federal prosecutor or public defender.