Texas Senate Bill SB1327

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/31/11
• Introduced: 3/9/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/14/11
• Refer: 3/22/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/2/11
• Report Pass: 3/31/11
• Voted on by House: 5/13/11
• Engrossed: 4/14/11
• Governor Action: 5/28/11
• Refer: 4/26/11
• Report Pass: 4/29/11
• Enrolled: 5/16/11
• Passed: 5/28/11

Caption

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.