Texas Senate Bill SB2095

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/7/25

Caption

Relating to the confidentiality of certain home address information in property tax appraisal records.

Impact

The implications of SB2095 are significant for state laws governing property tax appraisal records. By providing additional layers of protection, the bill seeks to reassure those at risk of harm that their personal information will remain private. This could lead to increased reporting by individuals in vulnerable situations, such as victims of domestic violence or stalking, as they may feel safer disclosing their circumstances to authorities without fear of public exposure. Additionally, this legislation might encourage other states to consider similar measures as part of broader efforts to protect individuals from violence and harassment.

Summary

Senate Bill 2095 aims to enhance the confidentiality of specific home address information found in property tax appraisal records. This legislation is particularly targeted at protecting the identities and addresses of individuals who may be at risk, such as current and former peace officers, their families, domestic violence survivors, and other individuals subjected to threats. By amending section 25.025 of the Tax Code, the bill formalizes a framework under which sensitive information can be kept confidential from public records, thereby aiding in the safety of those individuals.

Contention

While the bill garners support primarily from law enforcement advocates and domestic violence prevention groups, there may be contention surrounding the implications for transparency in public records. Critics could argue that the increased confidentiality could hinder the accessibility of property tax information necessary for legal and civic proceedings, potentially affecting community planning and oversight. Moreover, transparency advocates might raise concerns about the potential misuse of confidentiality provisions, questioning whether they could be exploited to shield misconduct or lack of accountability among public servants.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Tax Code

• Chapter 25. Local Appraisal
  • Section: 025

Occupations Code

• Chapter 1701. Law Enforcement Officers
  • Section: 001

• Chapter 301. Nurses
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 151. General Provisions
  • Section: New Section

Family Code

• Chapter 71. Definitions
  • Section: New Section

Government Code

• Chapter 76. Community Supervision And Corrections Departments
  • Section: New Section

Human Resources Code

• Chapter 12. Penal Provisions
  • Section: New Section

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 773. Emergency Medical Services
  • Section: 003