Relating to access to certain archaic information.
The legislation, if passed, would amend Subchapter B of Chapter 552 in the Government Code, granting access to records that have been kept confidential under specific conditions. Notably, it does not override existing provisions that maintain confidentiality for certain types of records, such as those outlined in Section 442.007 or Section 552.147. By allowing such records to be released after a set timeframe, SB881 seeks to strike a balance between the protection of sensitive information and the public's right to access government-held data.
SB881, filed in February 2013, aims to enhance public access to certain records that have been classified as confidential after a specified duration. Specifically, the bill stipulates that information designated as confidential under current law will become public information after 75 years from its original creation or reception by a governmental body. This is intended to promote transparency and public access to historical governmental documents that, while sensitive, may no longer warrant confidentiality after a lengthy period.
The primary point of contention surrounding SB881 revolves around the balance between transparency and privacy. Proponents argue that historical records should eventually be available to the public, as they can provide valuable insights into government actions and decisions over time. Conversely, there are concerns that such access might inadvertently expose sensitive or personal information that can compromise individual privacy or security. The discussion also touches on the practicality of the bill, including the challenges that governmental bodies might face in managing and processing requests for such older records.