Texas House Bill HB3248

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to state agency procedures and policies to protect and properly destroy certain information that identifies an individual.

Impact

The implementation of HB 3248 is anticipated to significantly strengthen the data protection framework within Texas state agencies. With a clear directive for secure destruction practices—including shredding and erasing sensitive information—the legislation ensures that unnecessary risks related to identity theft and other forms of data misuse are minimized. As such, the law aims to enhance public trust in state operations by demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding personal information.

Summary

House Bill 3248 focuses on enhancing the security and proper destruction of individual-identifying information maintained by state agencies. The bill mandates that each state agency develop comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure that such information is adequately secured. This includes both electronic data and traditional records, requiring agencies to implement electronic security strategies as specified by the Department of Information Resources. By establishing these protocols, the bill aims to safeguard sensitive information against unauthorized disclosures and potential breaches.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 3248 has been overwhelmingly positive. Legislators have recognized the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of individual-identifying information, and the bill has garnered support from various stakeholders concerned about personal privacy. There appears to be a consensus on the necessity of implementing stringent security measures to protect sensitive data, reflecting a shared recognition of the current digital landscape's vulnerabilities.

Contention

While the bill has been well-received, discussions have highlighted a few points of contention regarding the resources required for state agencies to comply with the new mandates. Some lawmakers have raised concerns about the potential financial burden on agencies, especially smaller ones that may lack sufficient funding to implement robust data security protocols. Nevertheless, these concerns have not significantly detracted from the overall support for the legislation, as most agree on the critical need for improved data protection measures.