Texas House Bill HB3222

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the availability under the public information law of certain documents filed with a county clerk or a district clerk.

Impact

The implementation of HB3222 impacts the public information law by expanding the categories of individuals whose personal information can be kept confidential. The bill specifically covers peace officers, employees of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and other designated officials. Its primary goal is to safeguard the personal safety of these individuals by limiting public access to their sensitive information, which could potentially be misused. As a result, state laws would require stricter adherence to confidentiality regarding personal identifiers in documents submitted to the county or district clerk.

Summary

House Bill 3222 seeks to amend the Government Code in Texas regarding the availability and confidentiality of certain documents filed with county and district clerks. This bill aims to enhance the protection of personal information related to specific officials and law enforcement personnel by ensuring that sensitive details such as home addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers remain confidential. The bill is part of an ongoing effort to balance public transparency with individual privacy rights within the realm of public records.

Contention

During discussions about HB3222, notable points of contention include the potential ramifications for public access to government records. Some advocates for transparency argue that expanding confidentiality could hinder the public's right to know and provide oversight on the actions of government officials. However, supporters of the bill contend that the protection of sensitive personal information is crucial for the safety of law enforcement and other public servants, particularly given the increasing reports of harassment and threats against such individuals. As such, the debate continues on the fine line between privacy protection and public accountability within the framework of this legislation.