Texas Senate Bill SB1884

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/23/09

Caption

Relating to a breach of computer security involving sensitive personal information and the confidentiality of protected health information.

Impact

If enacted, SB1884 would significantly enhance the security framework surrounding personal information handled by public entities in Texas. The proposed law mandates that any agency or government unit that discovers a breach must notify affected individuals as quickly as possible. The bill also outlines specific methods for delivering this notification, including written, electronic, and even public media announcements if certain criteria are met regarding the cost or number of affected individuals. This shift aims to increase transparency and accountability in how state and local governments handle sensitive data and respond to breaches.

Summary

SB1884 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the issue of security breaches involving sensitive personal information maintained by state agencies and local governments. The bill establishes clear definitions pertaining to what constitutes a breach of system security, including unauthorized access to sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers and driver's licenses. The main intent of this bill is to impose mandatory notification requirements for state agencies and local governments in the event of such breaches, ensuring that individuals affected are promptly informed to mitigate potential identity theft or fraud risks.

Conclusion

Overall, SB1884 stands to be a comprehensive piece of legislation addressing a critical aspect of data security within state and local governance in Texas. By formalizing the notification and response protocols in the event of data breaches, the bill aims to fortify public confidence in the management of their sensitive personal information by governmental entities. As with any legislative proposal, ongoing discussions among lawmakers and stakeholders will determine how effectively these provisions can be implemented and what practical implications they hold for the future.

Contention

While proponents of SB1884 argue that the bill is a necessary step to protect citizens' sensitive information and to streamline the notification process, there may be some concerns raised about the anxiety and potential repercussions resulting from public notifications of breaches. Critics may argue that there are existing protocols which should be sufficient and that this new bill places additional bureaucratic burdens on local governments. Furthermore, enforcement of compliance with the bill could lead to debates about the costs involved for smaller municipalities who may struggle with the implementation of these protocols.