Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for employees of a county, a court, or the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System and the employees' family members.
Impact
The implementation of HB 5080 is expected to amend various sections of the Election Code, Government Code, and Transportation Code to ensure the privacy of judicial employees. By preventing the disclosure of personal information like home addresses, the legislation seeks to support the safety and security of individuals working in the judicial system from potential threats, thereby fostering a more secure environment for those in the legal profession. This enhancement of confidentiality aligns with broader privacy protection efforts seen in different areas of public service.
Summary
House Bill 5080 aims to enhance the confidentiality of certain information pertaining to employees of counties, courts, and the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System, as well as their family members. The bill stipulates that the residential addresses of these individuals should be omitted from public records, with specific provisions for judges, court officials, and their families. This measure is designed to protect sensitive information of employees whose roles may expose them to potential risks due to their positions and responsibilities within the judicial system.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for its intention to protect judicial employees, some concerns have been raised regarding the implications of increased confidentiality on public transparency. Critics may argue that such measures could lead to reduced accountability and limit public access to information that is traditionally available in public records. Furthermore, debates may arise surrounding the balance between safety and transparency, especially regarding how it impacts the public's right to know about those who serve in taxpayer-funded positions.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Government Code
Chapter 72. Office Of Court Administration
Section: 016
Chapter 552. Public Information
Section: 117
Section: 1175
Election Code
Chapter 13. Application For Registration; Initial Registration
Identical
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for commissioners and employees whose duties relate to the administration of the judicial branch of state government and the commissioners' and employees' family members.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for employees of a county courthouse or the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System and the employees' family members.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for a current or former administrative law judge for the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for a current or former administrative law judge for the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
Relating to the redaction of certain information from a document posted on the Internet by a county clerk or district clerk on request of a person to whom the information relates or the judicial security division of the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System.
Relating to certain Title IV-D cases and other cases with respect to child support or Title IV-D agency services and to practices and procedures for the operation of the Title IV-D agency.
Relating to certain Title IV-D cases and other cases with respect to child support or Title IV-D agency services and to practices and procedures for the operation of the Title IV-D agency.
Relating to court administration, including the knowledge, efficiency, training, and transparency requirements for candidates for or holders of judicial offices.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for a current or former administrative law judge for the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for commissioners and employees whose duties relate to the administration of the judicial branch of state government and the commissioners' and employees' family members.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for employees of a county courthouse or the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System and the employees' family members.