Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4136

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
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, HB 4136 would significantly impact the handling of personal information among higher education officials, aligning with broader trends focused on data privacy and protection. The bill is expected to change how public records laws apply to these individuals, ensuring that their personal details are not publicly accessible as a matter of course. This alteration emphasizes the importance of safeguarding personal information in an era where threats to individual privacy are growing.

Summary

House Bill 4136 aims to revise the availability of certain personal information related to members of governing boards of institutions of higher education and their chief executive officers in Texas. Specifically, the bill seeks to amend Section 552.117 of the Government Code to ensure that sensitive information, such as home addresses and phone numbers, is kept confidential. This change recognizes the unique position and potential vulnerabilities of individuals in these leadership roles within educational institutions, thereby aiming to enhance their privacy and security.

Contention

Notably, the discussions surrounding HB 4136 may center on the balance between transparency in government and the need for privacy. Proponents of the bill might argue that protecting the personal information of educational leaders is crucial for their safety, while opponents could raise concerns about restrictions on public information and the potential implications for accountability within educational institutions. The extent to which such measures might be viewed as an overreach into public accessibility of information could also become a contentious point in future committee hearings.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

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

Occupations Code

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

Family Code

  • Chapter 71. Definitions
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 261. Investigation Of Report Of Child Abuse Or Neglect
    • Section: 405

Human Resources Code

  • Chapter 12. Penal Provisions
    • Section: New Section

Education Code

  • Chapter 61. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX SB1569

Identical 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 SB1569

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.

TX HB1082

Relating to the availability of personal information of an elected public officer.