Texas Senate Bill SB1013

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the disclosure of personal information contained in motor vehicle records; providing an administrative penalty.

Impact

The bill outlines strict regulations for the use and disclosure of personal information, ensuring that any data shared must adhere to specific use cases set forth in the law. It stipulates that personal information may only be disclosed to authorized requesters who agree to maintain compliance with the rules outlined in the bill. By specifying acceptable uses and requiring agreements for how this information will be utilized, the bill seeks to enhance data privacy and safeguard against misuse.

Summary

SB1013 primarily addresses the disclosure of personal information contained in motor vehicle records in Texas. This bill modifies the existing Transportation Code to establish clearer guidelines regarding how personal information can be shared and for what specific purposes it may be used. The aim is to protect individual privacy while allowing certain legitimate entities access to necessary information to perform their duties, such as law enforcement agencies and legitimate businesses conducting verification processes.

Contention

Notably, the bill introduces administrative penalties for violators, imposing financial consequences on individuals or entities that misuse personal information. These penalties can be substantial, with fines amounting up to $100,000 for repeated violations. This element of the bill has generated discussions regarding the balance between protecting personal data and the implications of heavy penalties that could deter businesses from utilizing necessary information for fear of unintentional violations.

Additional_points

Moreover, SB1013 introduces provisions that require recipients of personal information to act responsibly in the event of a data breach. This includes taking measures to contain unauthorized access and being liable for damages resulting from such breaches. Critics of the bill may raise concerns regarding potential overreach in defining how personal information is used and the logistics of enforcement, making this piece of legislation a significant topic of debate in Texas legislative discussions.