Texas House Bill HB4037

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/1/09
• Voted on by House: 5/12/09

Caption

Relating to the confidentiality of information related to certified handgun instructors.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would impact how state agencies handle records concerning certified handgun instructors, particularly in areas relating to privacy and public safety. The bill attempts to balance the need for transparency and the public's right to know about certified firearm instructors while also protecting the privacy interests of those instructors. This kind of legislative change is significant in the broader discourse on gun rights and instructor accountability within the state.

Summary

House Bill 4037 proposes amendments to Section 411.192 of the Government Code, specifically focusing on the confidentiality of information related to certified handgun instructors. The bill establishes clearer boundaries about what information regarding these instructors is publicly disclosable, essentially aiming to protect instructors' identities from public records requests. It outlines that certain basic identifying information of the instructors, such as their name and contact details, will be publicly available, while other records will be kept confidential.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HB 4037 may involve debates over public safety versus privacy rights. Supporters of the bill likely argue that maintaining confidentiality for instructors can protect their safety from potential threats that might arise from disclosing their identities publicly. Critics may assert that transparency is crucial for public trust and accountability in the instructor's role as it relates to firearm safety and education.

Summary_points

The bill specifies that the department must notify instructors of any requests for their information and allows them to opt-out of having their information published if they feel threatened or unsafe. This approach indicates a proactive measure to enhance the protection of certified instructors. The overall consensus in related discussions highlighted the careful balance that must be struck between individual privacy and the public's need for safety in matters involving firearms.