Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3427

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the confidentiality of birth and death records.

Impact

The bill's enactment is set to have a considerable effect on how birth and death records are managed by the Texas Department of Health and local registration officials. By extending the time frames before these records are classified as public information, the state aims to better protect personal information from unauthorized disclosure. This adjustment in public access could influence various stakeholders, including genealogists, legal professionals, and individuals seeking personal data.

Summary

House Bill 3427 addresses the confidentiality of birth and death records in Texas. The bill proposes amendments to the Government Code, particularly Sections 552.115(a) and (d), which outline the parameters for when these vital records can become public information. According to the proposed changes, birth records would be deemed public after the 125th anniversary, while death records would become public after the 50th anniversary. This change reflects an effort to enhance privacy rights and information security surrounding sensitive personal records.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB3427 involves the balance between public access to information and personal privacy rights. Advocates for the bill argue that more stringent confidentiality is necessary to protect individuals' privacy, whereas critics may be concerned that it limits genealogical research and access to important historical records. Discussions in legislative circles may highlight the need for public records while considering privacy concerns, reflecting broader societal conversations about data protection and individual rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1652

Relating to a right of access to certain information after a lapse of time.

TX HB576

Relating to the confidentiality of certain autopsy records.

TX SB545

Relating to death records maintained and provided by the vital statistics unit of the Department of State Health Services.

TX HB5259

Relating to death records maintained and provided by the vital statistics unit of the Department of State Health Services.

TX HB752

Relating to a change of name and sex for certain persons and the issuance of associated birth records and documentation; authorizing a fee.

TX HB2006

Relating to birth records of adopted persons; authorizing a fee.

TX SB2237

Relating to birth records of adopted persons; authorizing a fee.

TX HB2091

Relating to the confidentiality of certain information on a marriage license, an application for a marriage license, and a declaration of informal marriage.

TX HB3495

Relating to the investment authority of certain state agencies and the confidentiality of certain information related to those investments.

TX HB663

Relating to the confidentiality and reporting of certain maternal mortality information to the Department of State Health Services and to a work group establishing a maternal mortality and morbidity data registry.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.