Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB327

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to requiring notice and the dissemination of criminal history record information to the subject of the information in certain circumstances.

Impact

The implementation of HB 327 would have a significant impact on the way governmental agencies handle requests for criminal history records. By requiring notification, the bill aims to empower individuals by informing them of who has accessed their sensitive information. This could lead to greater accountability and potentially mitigate misuse of personal data. Moreover, the bill emphasizes the importance of individual consent and awareness, fostering a more informed citizenry about matters pertaining to their personal data.

Summary

House Bill 327 focuses on ensuring that individuals are notified when their criminal history record information is accessed by others. The bill mandates that if a request for such information is made under certain provisions, the requesting department must send written notice to the individual whose information is being sought. This notice must identify the requester and provide a copy of the criminal history record that was released. The intent of the bill is to enhance transparency and protect individual rights in matters concerning sensitive personal information.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 327 appears to be positive, particularly among proponents of privacy rights and government transparency. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step towards ensuring that individuals have agency over their personal information and are made aware of its dissemination. Concerns may arise among those wary of additional bureaucratic processes that might complicate request handling, but the overall view seems to be that increasing notification is a progressive move.

Contention

Notable points of contention may stem from the potential administrative burden that notification requirements pose to agencies dealing with numerous requests for criminal history records. While advocates for the bill see it as essential for individual rights and privacy protections, critics may contend that such obligations could slow down the process of information sharing and create delays. Additionally, there might also be concerns regarding exceptions outlined in the bill that could limit the scope of required notification in specific cases.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.