Texas House Bill HB4079

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to microfiche, microfilm, or electronic storage of birth records.

Impact

The implementation of HB 4079 is expected to enhance the efficiency of records management by allowing for the destruction of original birth certificates once they have been transferred to the new storage methods. This presents a shift in the management of vital records by reducing physical storage needs and possibly increasing the longevity and retrievability of sensitive information. By transitioning to modern forms of storage, the state aims to safeguard these essential documents against physical degradation.

Summary

House Bill 4079 addresses the methods of storing birth records in Texas by amending Section 191.032 of the Health and Safety Code. The bill mandates that the state registrar must arrange and permanently preserve birth certificates for births occurring on or after January 1, 2015, using microfiche, microfilm, or electronic storage media. This change is significant as it modernizes the way critical records are stored, ensuring better preservation and accessibility over time.

Contention

However, this bill may present points of contention, particularly with the destruction of original birth certificates. Stakeholders might raise concerns about the loss of original documents and the potential implications for identity verification and legal matters. Additionally, while electronic storage provides benefits in terms of accessibility, it also raises questions about data security and privacy. Critics of the bill may lobby for considerations to be put in place to protect individuals' data as it shifts to electronic formats.