Texas House Bill HB640

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/6/09
• Voted on by House: 5/12/09

Caption

Relating to personnel records of a deputy sheriff in certain counties.

Impact

The impact of HB 640 is significant for law enforcement agencies, as it creates a new standard for privacy concerning personnel records. By restricting public access to various personnel documents while still allowing some disclosure under specified conditions, the bill aims to protect the privacy of deputy sheriffs while ensuring that accountability is maintained in cases of misconduct. Furthermore, it prompts discussions on balancing individual privacy rights against the public's right to know about public servants’ conduct. This ongoing debate highlights the challenges of transparency in law enforcement amidst growing concerns about police accountability and public trust.

Summary

House Bill 640 addresses personnel records specific to deputy sheriffs in counties with populations of 300,000 or more. The bill seeks to regulate the disclosure and management of personnel records maintained by sheriff's departments, emphasizing the protection of deputy sheriffs' personal and employment-related information. It outlines specific categories of documents that can be categorized as personnel records, including evaluations, complaints, leave requests, and medical records. This legislation fundamentally changes how personnel records are accessed and shared by not allowing public access to many of these records unless they pertain to misconduct or certain other defined exceptions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 640 include concerns about oversights in accountability measures and transparency within law enforcement agencies. Critics argue that by limiting public access to personnel records, the bill could shield misconduct within sheriff's departments from public scrutiny. Supporters, however, contend that protecting the privacy of deputy sheriffs is essential for maintaining an effective force and reducing the potential for harassment or unwarranted intrusion into their personal lives. The discussion reflects broader concerns about transparency versus privacy rights—an ongoing topic in legislative debates reflecting the intersection of law enforcement practice and public oversight.