Texas House Bill HB3904

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to personal confidential information accessed by an employee of a state governmental body; imposing penalties.

Impact

The provisions of HB3904 are significant in outlining the responsibilities of state employees with respect to the confidential information they access. By mandating the creation of a personal confidential information policy for each state agency, the bill not only enhances security but also introduces a role for a 'director of privacy' within each governmental body. This move aims to strengthen the oversight regarding who can access sensitive information and under what circumstances. Additionally, it imposes repercussions on governmental employees who fail to comply with these regulations, thereby setting a precedent for data protection in state operations.

Summary

House Bill 3904 aims to enhance the management and protection of personal confidential information accessed by employees of state governmental bodies in Texas. The bill introduces amendments to the Government Code which specify the handling of sensitive personal data, including social security numbers, addresses, and medical information. It emphasizes the need for government employees to properly authorize access to such information, thereby instituting a more stringent protocol for its management. Furthermore, it establishes that unauthorized access will be classified as a Class A misdemeanor, creating a legal framework for accountability.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention regarding the balance between transparency and privacy. Advocacy groups may debate the implications of heightened restrictions on information access, particularly if it limits public information about governmental activities. Critics could argue that while protecting personal information is crucial, excessive control may hinder oversight and accountability measures that require access to certain data for community welfare. Moreover, interested parties may also discuss the feasibility of the implementation of these policies and whether the state possesses the necessary resources to enforce these new requirements effectively.