Relating to certain personal information contained in a decree of dissolution of a marriage or an order in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.
The implications of HB 914 are significant, particularly in enhancing the protection of sensitive personal information in family law matters. By mandating that personal identifiers be separated from public records, the bill seeks to prevent potential misuse or exposure of such information. This change aims to limit the accessibility of sensitive data to only authorized individuals, such as parties involved in the legal proceedings, law enforcement, and those granted access by a court order. The legislation reflects growing concerns about personal privacy in legal contexts, particularly within family law cases where many individuals are vulnerable.
House Bill 914 introduces modifications to the Texas Family Code concerning the handling of personal information in legal documents related to the dissolution of marriage and parent-child relationships. The bill stipulates that sensitive personal information, such as social security numbers, bank account details, and children's names and birthdates, must not be included directly in the final decrees of divorce or custody orders. Instead, this information is to be documented in a separate Confidential Data Page, enhancing privacy protections in sensitive legal proceedings.
While the bill appears to be geared towards protecting individual privacy, potential points of contention could arise regarding its implementation. Questions may be raised about the adequacy of protections for personal information in practice and the processes by which access to confidential data is granted or restricted. Furthermore, concerns may emerge from courts and legal practitioners regarding additional administrative burdens imposed by the requirement to maintain a separate document for personal information. Debates may focus on balancing the privacy needs of individuals with the operational realities of the court system, as well as ensuring that necessary information remains accessible for the proper administration of justice.