Relating to access to certain archaic information.
Impact
The bill would modify existing laws regarding the retention and accessibility of government records, which could lead to significant changes in how historical documents, especially birth and death records, are managed by local governments. By establishing a clear timeline for when specific records become available, SB1907 encourages local authorities to streamline their record-keeping practices and policies, ultimately enhancing the public's ability to engage with historical data and genealogy research.
Summary
SB1907 proposes amendments to the Texas Government Code and other related codes to enhance public access to certain government records that become non-confidential after a set period, specifically 75 years. It stipulates that information that is not confidential but previously excepted from disclosure will be available to the public once it reaches this age, fostering greater transparency in government operations. The bill aims to ensure that citizens have the right to access archaic information that could be of historical significance, once confidentiality restrictions lapse.
Contention
While the bill is primarily aimed at improving access to public information, there may be points of contention regarding the privacy concerns of individuals whose records might become available after 75 years. Critics may argue that there should be longer retention periods for sensitive information, such as medical records, to protect individuals' privacy, even posthumously. Furthermore, the bill's implementation may require local governments to reassess their record retention policies, which could be met with resistance depending on the existing practices.
Relating to criminal history record information and certain registry information accessible to certain educational and child-care entities and information required for employment in certain child-care facilities.
Relating to criminal history record information and certain registry information accessible to certain educational and child-care entities and information required for employment in certain child-care facilities.
Relating to accelerated and supplemental instruction provided to public school students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments and access to criminal history record information for certain tutors providing that instruction.