Texas House Bill HB1411

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/14/09
• Voted on by House: 4/22/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/6/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/14/09
• Governor Action: 5/27/09
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/27/09

Caption

Relating to records of certain frivolous complaints maintained by the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1411 would modify how the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying handles records of complaints, reinforcing a greater degree of privacy for professionals accused of frivolous claims. By designating these complaints as confidential, the legislation is intended to shield professionals from the potential repercussions that can arise from having their names associated with such allegations. This change could significantly influence both public perception and the operational protocols of the Board, aligning them with practices in other jurisdictions that similarly prioritize confidentiality in the complaint process.

Summary

House Bill 1411 seeks to amend the Occupations Code by addressing the management of complaints deemed frivolous by the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying. The primary focus of the bill is to ensure that records related to such complaints, once determined to be without merit, are kept confidential. This confidentiality applies not only to the complaints themselves but also to any related enforcement case information. The bill aims to protect the reputation of licensed professionals from unfounded allegations while maintaining appropriate oversight by the governing board.

Contention

As with many legislative changes, there may be points of contention surrounding HB 1411. Opponents could argue that while protecting professionals from frivolous claims is important, there must also be mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in the licensing process. Critics might raise concerns about the potential for legitimate complaints to be overlooked or mishandled under the guise of confidentiality. The balance between protecting professionals' reputations and ensuring a fair and transparent complaint system will likely be a significant aspect of discussions as the bill moves through the legislative process.