Texas Senate Bill SB1205

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the sharing of death record information between the Department of State Health Services and the Department of Public Safety.

Impact

The implementation of this bill will significantly affect how death records are managed and utilized within state agencies. It will facilitate a more streamlined approach to confirming the status of individuals who hold driver's licenses or personal identification certificates, ultimately supporting the integrity and accuracy of public records. This change is expected to assist in various administrative processes and enhance coordination between different governmental branches responsible for maintaining vital records.

Summary

SB1205 aims to enhance the sharing of death record information between the Department of State Health Services and the Department of Public Safety in Texas. The bill mandates the establishment of an efficient method to verify death information, which is crucial for maintaining accurate records of drivers' licenses and personal identification certificates. By implementing a memorandum of understanding between these two departments, the bill emphasizes the importance of having accurate and up-to-date information while conducting state affairs, notably in the context of public safety and vital statistics management.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SB1205 appears to be positive, as it addresses a critical area of public provision with the potential to improve operational efficiency within state agencies. The bill was passed unanimously through the legislative process, indicating broad bipartisan support. Stakeholders likely view this legislative effort as a progressive step towards ensuring public safety through the effective use of vital records.

Contention

While the bill seems to garner support, potential points of contention could arise concerning privacy and the handling of sensitive information, such as social security numbers and death records. The extent to which personal information may be shared between departments could raise concerns among privacy advocates. As the bill lays out mechanisms for information exchange, ongoing oversight and public discourse regarding data security and privacy will be essential in its implementation.