Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3327

Filed
3/2/23  
Out of House Committee
5/3/23  
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the confidentiality of certain home address information in property tax appraisal records.

Impact

The implications of HB3327 are significant as it modifies how property tax records are handled concerning specific vulnerable groups. As a result, local appraisal districts will be required to implement stricter confidentiality protocols to protect the addresses of individuals covered under the bill. This shift could lead to an increased administrative burden on local authorities to ensure compliance while aiming to keep sensitive information secure. Furthermore, the change could encourage more individuals in vulnerable positions to apply for such protections, knowing their information will be safeguarded.

Summary

House Bill 3327 aims to enhance the confidentiality of certain home address information in property tax appraisal records. This bill primarily focuses on providing protection for specific individuals, including current or former law enforcement officers, their families, and victims of family violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. By amending existing provisions in the Texas Tax Code, the bill seeks to ensure that sensitive information related to these individuals is kept confidential to enhance their safety and privacy.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB3327 appears mostly positive, particularly among advocates for victims' rights and law enforcement organizations. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary measure to enhance safety for individuals at risk of violence or harassment due to their profession or personal history. However, there may be concerns regarding implementation and the potential effects on public access to information typically available in property tax records. Overall, the support for the bill seems to outweigh opposition, reflecting a broad agreement on the need to improve confidentiality measures.

Contention

While HB3327 is viewed favorably, discussions in legislative committees highlighted a few points of contention. Some stakeholders raised concerns about the balance between public record transparency and the need for individual privacy. Ensuring that the bill does not inadvertently restrict access to necessary information for legitimate purposes is a critical point of debate. Furthermore, there could be challenges related to the identification of individuals eligible for this confidentiality, which may raise issues of enforcement and education on the bill's provisions among local government agencies.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Tax Code

  • Chapter 25. Local Appraisal
    • Section: 025
    • Section: 025
    • Section: 025

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 2. General Duties Of Officers
    • Section: 12
    • Section: 12
  • Chapter 58. Confidentiality Of Identifying Information And Medical Records Of Certain Crime Victims
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Occupations Code

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

Family Code

  • Chapter 71. Definitions
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 773. Emergency Medical Services
    • Section: 003

Human Resources Code

  • Chapter 12. Penal Provisions
    • Section: New Section

Government Code

  • Chapter 76. Community Supervision And Corrections Departments
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX SB1532

Identical Relating to the confidentiality of certain home address information in property tax appraisal records.

Similar Bills

IL SB2087

STATES ATTY-PEACE OFCR-PRIVACY

CA SB605

State attorneys and administrative law judges: compensation.

TX HB4006

Relating to the suspension and removal from office of a district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county attorney of a political subdivision of this state.

TX SB35

Relating to the application of certain concealed handgun license laws to the attorney general and the state prosecuting attorney and to assistant attorneys general, assistant state prosecuting attorneys, United States attorneys, assistant United States attorneys, special assistant United States attorneys, and certain associate judges and other judicial personnel, and to the authority of those persons to carry certain weapons.

AR HB1618

To Amend The Law Concerning The Election, Appointment, And Contracting Of A Municipal Attorney.

TX HB4803

Relating to the creation of offices of District Attorney for the Northeast Texas, Central Texas, Southeast Texas, and South Texas Regions and the powers and duties of and related to such officers.

TX SB1807

Relating to the application of certain handgun license laws to certain federal and state attorneys and to the authority of those attorneys to carry certain weapons.

TX HB3903

Relating to a state defense attorney to represent certain defendants in proceedings before state appellate courts and coordinate continuing legal education for criminal defense attorneys.