Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB958

Filed
2/15/23  
Out of Senate Committee
4/17/23  
Voted on by Senate
4/20/23  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

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.

Companion Bills

TX HB4585

Identical 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.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4585

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.

TX HB2892

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.

TX SB1299

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.

TX SB1678

Relating to the prohibited release by a public agency of information regarding the members, supporters, or volunteers of or donors to certain nonprofit organizations; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4275

Relating to the prohibited release by a public agency of information regarding the members, supporters, or volunteers of or donors to certain nonprofit organizations; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB303

Prohibits the disclosure of information regarding the membership of, volunteers of, or donors to a nonprofit organization (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

TX SB59

Relating to disclosure of certain personal information; to prohibit public agencies from collecting, disclosing, or releasing certain personal information about members of, volunteers for, and financial and nonfinancial donors to nonprofit organizations, except as required by law; and to provide civil and criminal penalties for violation of these prohibitions; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

TX AB258

Enacts certain provisions governing the confidentiality of certain personal information of a donor, member or volunteer of a nonprofit organization. (BDR 19-605)

TX AB258A

Enacts certain provisions governing the confidentiality of certain personal information of a donor, member or volunteer of a nonprofit organization. (BDR 19-605)

TX SB129

Nonprofit Member Data Privacy & Public Agencies

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