Texas House Bill HB3596

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a prohibition on the public disclosure of information in appraisal records that identifies a property owner.

Impact

This legislation has significant implications for property law and privacy rights in Texas. By categorizing information that identifies property owners as confidential, it prevents appraisal districts and other relevant bodies from disclosing this information publicly, except for official use. The change is aimed at protecting the privacy of property owners and could set a precedent for how other types of personal information are handled in public records. This amendment would mean that while some property information may still be accessible, it will not include the owner’s identity if they have opted for confidentiality.

Summary

House Bill 3596 aims to impose strict confidentiality on information identifying property owners within appraisal records in the state of Texas. It introduces a new section to the Tax Code, specifically Section 25.028, which designates certain information in appraisal records as confidential. Under this bill, property owners are given the option to restrict public access to their identifying information by submitting a request through a prescribed form from the comptroller. The bill seeks to empower property owners by enhancing their control over personal information disclosed in public appraisal records.

Contention

The potential for contention lies in the balance between public access to information and the privacy rights of individuals. Proponents of the bill may argue that it is essential for protecting individuals from unwanted scrutiny and potential harassment, especially in cases where property ownership is tied to sensitive personal situations. Critics, however, could express concerns regarding transparency in property ownership, which may hinder accountability in local governance and taxation. The debate over privacy versus transparency may generate significant discussion among lawmakers and stakeholders as the bill progresses.