Texas House Bill HB2491

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/9/09
• Voted on by House: 4/24/09

Caption

Relating to disclosure of certain personal information of applicants for employment with and current and former employees of public school entities.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2491 will modify existing provisions in the Texas Education Code by adding a new section that defines which personal information is not considered public and under what circumstances it can be disclosed. This will help to safeguard sensitive data while still allowing for some degree of public access, contingent upon written consent from the individuals involved. This change aims to enhance the confidentiality of personal data for applicants and employees of public schools, thus aligning with broader privacy protections seen in other sectors.

Summary

House Bill 2491 aims to regulate the disclosure of personal information concerning applicants and employees of public school entities in Texas. Specifically, the bill provides guidelines on what personal information—including home addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers—should be exempt from public disclosure under the state's public information laws. This legislation reflects growing concerns over privacy, particularly for individuals in the education sector where such personal data may be misused or exploited.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding this bill could arise from various stakeholders invested in transparency and accountability within public education. Proponents argue that ensuring the confidentiality of employee information is crucial for their safety and privacy, especially given the potential risks associated with public access to such data. Conversely, critics may argue that limiting access to this information could obstruct necessary oversight or transparency related to the hiring and employment practices of public school entities.