Texas House Bill HB1333

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a request for a customer record of a financial institution for guardianship purposes.

Impact

If enacted, HB1333 would have notable implications for state laws regarding guardianship and the handling of financial records. The bill would exclusively authorize certain state and federal agencies to access such records, aiming to promote transparency while balancing customer privacy and compliance with existing privacy laws. This measure is particularly significant in cases involving elderly or disabled persons, ensuring that their rights are respected during investigations of abuse or neglect.

Summary

House Bill 1333 proposes amendments to the Finance Code that detail the procedures under which a financial institution must comply when a customer record is requested for guardianship purposes. This legislation seeks to clarify the existing framework concerning financial institution records and the authority under which these records can be accessed for the protection and welfare of individuals under guardianship. By outlining explicit conditions for such requests, the bill aims to streamline processes and ensure that pertinent records are available to appropriate authorities when needed.

Contention

While the overarching goal of HB1333 is to protect vulnerable individuals, there may be contention regarding the privacy implications for customers whose financial records are accessed under the provisions of this bill. Advocates for guardianship and elder protection may support the bill for its protective intentions, while privacy advocates may raise concerns about potential overreach in record access and the implications for customer confidentiality. The framing of the bill and its interpretation will likely be focal points in subsequent discussions around its potential passage.