Texas Senate Bill SB958

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 2/15/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/17/23
• Voted on by Senate: 4/20/23
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/23

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 passed, SB 958 will significantly enhance the legal protections available to nonprofit organizations and their members. The bill prohibits public agencies from requiring nonprofits to disclose personal information and creates a criminal offense for violations. By doing so, it aligns Texas state law with constitutional norms and strengthens the protections against the disclosure of sensitive information, thereby supporting the operational integrity of nonprofits in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 958 aims to prohibit public agencies in Texas from releasing personal affiliation information regarding members, supporters, volunteers, or donors of certain nonprofit organizations. The bill establishes a legal framework to protect the privacy of individuals involved with nonprofit organizations by creating specific guidelines about data collection and disclosure. This legislation codifies principles established by the Supreme Court in the 1958 case regarding the NAACP's membership, reiterating the importance of safeguarding individuals' rights to privacy.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 958 appears largely supportive, particularly from advocates of privacy rights and nonprofit organizations. Testimonies during legislative discussions highlighted the bill as a critical measure for ensuring that individuals can participate in charitable activities without fear of public exposure. Nevertheless, some concerns were raised regarding the potential implications of strict data protection measures on transparency within the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the balance between privacy and transparency in the nonprofit sector. While proponents assert that safeguarding affiliation information is essential for encouraging donations and volunteerism without fear of public scrutiny, critics argue that transparency is vital to ensure accountability within nonprofit organizations. The challenge remains in ensuring that privacy protections do not inadvertently hinder the public's right to know about the activities and affiliations of these organizations.