Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3504

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

Caption

Relating to the availability of death records of unidentified persons.

Impact

If enacted, HB3504 would significantly alter the framework governing how the state manages and disseminates death records. This increased availability is expected to benefit families and loved ones seeking closure for unidentified cases, as well as assist various state agencies and organizations involved in public health and safety. The expedited access to such records may help organizations and authorities in their efforts to identify missing persons or individuals found deceased under unclear circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 3504 addresses the accessibility of death records pertaining to unidentified individuals in Texas. The proposed legislation amends Section 552.115(a) of the Government Code, establishing criteria under which death records become public information. Specifically, it states that death records for unidentified persons will be accessible to the public one year following the date of death, rather than the previously mandated 25 years for identified decedents. This change aims to enhance the transparency of governmental processes and provide timely information regarding unidentified individuals.

Contention

While proponents of HB3504 argue that making death records available sooner enhances community awareness and aids in identifying the deceased, critics may raise concerns over privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive information. There are implications regarding how quickly such sensitive information is released to the public and the potential for unintended consequences, such as impacting ongoing investigations or infringing on the privacy rights of those involved.

Final_notes

The bill is currently referred to a committee for further discussion and evaluation. As with any legislative adjustments involving personal information and public records, it will likely undergo scrutiny regarding its balance between transparency and individual privacy rights.

Companion Bills

TX SB1485

Identical Relating to the availability of death records of unidentified persons.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1652

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

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 HB3161

Relating to the duties of a justice of the peace, medical examiner, or other investigator regarding the bodies of unidentified deceased persons and to the control by certain persons of the disposition of a deceased person's remains.

TX HB4966

Relating to law enforcement agency personnel records and the reporting of separations of license holders to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

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 HB96

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

TX HB68

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.