Texas House Bill HB1450

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the disclosure of certain personal information provided on a driver's license application or in connection with a motor vehicle record.

Impact

The enactment of HB1450 is set to have significant implications for state laws around personal privacy and information handling, particularly concerning personal identification and data management. By stipulating that such data can only be used by designated state entities, the bill attempts to protect individuals' sensitive information from unauthorized access and use. It ultimately aims to streamline information accessibility for entities responsible for upholding child support laws and election integrity, emphasizing a balance between operational efficiency and citizen privacy.

Summary

House Bill 1450 addresses the disclosure of personal information related to driver's license applications and motor vehicle records within the state of Texas. The bill amends sections of the Transportation Code to specify when and how personal information, particularly social security numbers, can be disclosed to authorized entities. One major update includes allowing disclosure not only to child support enforcement agencies but also to the Secretary of State for voter registration purposes, thereby expanding the scope of how this sensitive information can be utilized.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding the bill may arise from civil liberties advocates who concern themselves with personal data privacy and the extent of government access to private information. While supporters of the bill argue that improving access to necessary information for child support and voter registration could enhance governmental functions, detractors might highlight the risks associated with larger pools of accessible personal data. Ensuring that this information is not misused will be central to the conversation around HB1450.

Additional_notes

Ultimately, HB1450 seeks to refine how personal information is managed and disclosed in Texas, reflecting a careful consideration of the essential need for both access to information for critical state functions and the protection of citizen privacy. The ongoing discussions may continue to evolve as stakeholders weigh the benefits and potential pitfalls of these changes in state law.