Texas Senate Bill SB652

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/8/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/20/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/22/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the maintenance of emergency contact and medical information databases by the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas.

Impact

The implementation of SB652 will enhance the ability of law enforcement and emergency responders to quickly access vital information in crisis situations. This could potentially improve emergency response times and the ability to notify relatives promptly in the event of an accident. By formalizing the collection of specific data regarding emergency contacts and medical histories, the bill aims to create a more efficient system for managing critical health information during emergencies.

Summary

Senate Bill 652 (SB652) establishes a system for maintaining emergency contact and medical information databases by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The bill mandates that the DPS maintain a record of individuals designated by holders of driver's licenses or personal identification certificates to be contacted in case of emergencies, such as injuries or fatalities resulting from vehicular incidents. Additionally, the bill allows for the incorporation of medical information, which is provided voluntarily by the applicants, to be stored alongside emergency contact details.

Contention

While SB652 aims to strengthen public safety through better communication in emergencies, there are noteworthy concerns regarding privacy and the management of sensitive medical information. Critics fear that the gathering and potential disclosure of health-related information could lead to privacy violations, especially if safeguards are not adequately addressed. Furthermore, provisions for the confidentiality of the information are emphasized, with strict guidelines on who can access this data, primarily focusing on law enforcement personnel for confirmed emergencies.