Texas House Bill HB219

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to the online publication of home addresses of certain occupational license holders.

Impact

The impact of HB 219 is significant as it alters how the state handles personal information for licensed professionals. By implementing a system where home addresses are not publicly disclosed unless consented to, the bill fosters an environment where individuals in certain occupations, particularly those who may face harassment or threats, can feel more secure. Moreover, this change aligns the regulations concerning occupational licenses with broader privacy and safety standards, reflecting a societal shift towards safeguarding individuals' personal data.

Summary

House Bill 219 addresses the online publication of home addresses of individuals holding certain occupational licenses in Texas. The bill aims to protect the privacy of these license holders by amending the Occupations Code to prohibit the inclusion of home addresses on public websites unless explicitly requested by the individual. In this way, the bill seeks to alleviate concerns about safety and privacy that many professionals may face due to the public disclosure of their home addresses.

Contention

While the bill has received support for its intent to increase privacy for licensed individuals, there may be contention surrounding how the bill is implemented and its potential implications on transparency. Opponents might argue that while protecting privacy is important, the public has a right to access information about licensed professionals, which serves the interest of accountability and informed consumer choice. The debate rests on balancing individual privacy rights with the public’s right to access professional information.