Relating to the confidentiality of information obtained by a compliance office of an institution of higher education.
Impact
The implications of this bill are significant as it reinforces the privacy protections surrounding compliance investigations in universities. By exempting certain information from public scrutiny, SB1327 seeks to ensure that compliance offices can conduct their investigations without the risk of interference or outside pressure that could arise from public knowledge of sensitive details. This can be particularly crucial in cases involving potential violations of laws governing educational institutions and the civil rights of individuals.
Summary
SB1327 aims to enhance the confidentiality of information obtained by compliance offices of institutions of higher education in Texas. Specifically, the bill amends Section 51.971 of the Education Code to specify that information gathered during compliance program investigations is exempt from public disclosure if such disclosures would interfere with ongoing investigations. This legal change is intended to protect sensitive information that, if released, could compromise the integrity of compliance investigations in higher education settings.
Contention
Possible points of contention surrounding SB1327 relate to transparency versus confidentiality. Supporters argue that the bill is essential for maintaining the integrity of compliance investigations, while critics may express concerns that increased confidentiality could hinder accountability and the public's right to know about matters pertaining to higher education governance. The balance between protecting sensitive information and ensuring public trust in educational institutions may lead to debates in legislative sessions regarding the scope and limits of the proposed confidentiality provisions.
Relating to requiring public schools and public institutions of higher education to report data regarding certain arrests made on school or institution property.
Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.
Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain records containing applicant or student information that are held by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain records containing applicant or student information that are held by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Relating to the distribution, posting, or provision of information regarding postsecondary education and career opportunities and to the confidentiality of certain information relating to persons provided assistance in accessing postsecondary education.
Relating to authorized investments of public money by certain governmental entities and the confidentiality of certain information related to those investments.
Energy: building energy efficiency: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment: sale registry and compliance tracking system: compliance document data registry.
Energy: building energy efficiency: heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment sale registry and compliance tracking system: electronic statewide compliance documentation data repository.