Texas House Bill HB523

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/7/09
• Voted on by House: 4/16/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/6/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/14/09
• Governor Action: 5/23/09
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/23/09

Caption

Relating to the contents of a receipt issued for payment of a good or service; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

The bill's implementation, set for January 1, 2010, will directly affect businesses that provide receipts to customers. It imposes a civil penalty for violations, thus incentivizing compliance among retailers and service providers who must ensure that sensitive information is not disclosed on sales receipts. The attorney general or local prosecuting attorneys will be empowered to pursue civil penalties against violators, thereby reinforcing the enforcement mechanisms surrounding this regulation.

Summary

House Bill 523 aims to enhance consumer protection by prohibiting the printing of individuals' driver's license numbers on receipts for goods and services. This legislative move is intended to mitigate the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access to personal information. The bill introduces specific provisions within the Business and Commerce Code, establishing clearer regulations regarding the information that can be included in sales receipts and promoting privacy considerations for consumers.

Contention

While the bill is largely framed as a consumer protection measure, there may be discussions regarding the burden it places on businesses, particularly small enterprises that might struggle to adapt their receipt formatting practices. There was also concern about the efficacy of civil penalties in deterring violations and whether the financial implications may have an undue impact on business operations. Supporters argue the necessity of protecting consumer data, highlighting the growing threat of identity theft in the digital age.