Texas Senate Bill SB478

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/23/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/2/09

Caption

Relating to personal information contained in certain decrees and orders in family law proceedings.

Impact

The amendments proposed in SB478 would significantly affect how divorce and family law proceedings are documented and handled in Texas. By separating personal information from the decision documents, the bill aims to protect the privacy of individuals and children, potentially reducing the risks of identity theft and unauthorized access to sensitive data. This legal change would require judges and attorneys to adapt their practices accordingly, ensuring compliance with the new regulations on documentation.

Summary

SB478 seeks to amend the Family Code regarding the handling of personal information in decrees of marriage dissolution and orders affecting the parent-child relationship. This bill mandates that any decree or order must not include sensitive personal information, such as social security numbers or bank account details. Instead, this information must be presented in a separate document labeled 'CONFIDENTIAL DATA PAGE', ensuring that sensitive details are shielded from public access and maintaining privacy for those involved in such proceedings.

Contention

While the bill promotes privacy and confidentiality, it could also lead to debates regarding accessibility and transparency in family law cases. Some may argue that the complete separation of personal information from court orders might hinder the ability of interested parties, such as grandparents or other relatives, to obtain critical information during custody disputes. Furthermore, the implementation of 'CONFIDENTIAL DATA PAGE' may require additional administrative efforts, possibly increasing the workload for legal professionals and court staff.