Texas House Bill HB3513

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the duty to protect and safeguard sensitive personal information.

Impact

The bill seeks to reinforce existing state regulations concerning the protection of personal data by placing specific duties on businesses, including non-profit organizations. It aims to mitigate risks associated with data breaches by requiring firms to enact strict security protocols and establish clear procedures for destroying sensitive information that is no longer needed. The implications for organizations include both operational adjustments to align with these requirements and potential legal ramifications for non-compliance, which could result in increased litigation risk.

Summary

House Bill 3513 focuses on the obligation of businesses to protect and secure sensitive personal information. It amends the Business and Commerce Code to establish clear duties for businesses regarding the handling of sensitive personal information. The bill mandates that businesses must implement reasonable procedures to safeguard this information and outlines proper destruction methods for customer records to prevent unlawful use or disclosure. This legislative effort aims to enhance consumer confidence and ensure that organizations are held accountable for data security practices.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 3513 represents a significant step toward strengthening the state's regulatory framework regarding personal data protection. It reflects a broader trend in legislation aimed at enhancing privacy and security for consumers in the evolving landscape of information technology.

Contention

While proponents of HB 3513 argue that it is a necessary update to address the growing concerns surrounding data privacy and security in a digital age, some concerns were raised regarding the feasibility of compliance for smaller organizations. Critics might argue that the added responsibilities could impose burdens on small businesses that may not have the resources available to implement the required measures efficiently. Furthermore, discussions around the definitions of sensitive personal information and the implications for different types of businesses could also surface as points of contention.