Texas House Bill HB1872

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to public access to certain information included on personal financial statements filed by county judicial officers.

Impact

The passage of HB 1872 is expected to impact how financial disclosure works for county judicial officers in Texas. By allowing specific personal information to be withheld from public access, the bill seeks to better protect the privacy of judicial officers and their families while still holding them accountable through required financial disclosures. This balance between transparency and privacy is a key focus of the legislation, addressing growing concerns about the safety and personal security of public officials.

Summary

House Bill 1872 amends the Local Government Code in Texas to formalize the public's access to certain financial statements filed by county judicial officers. The bill specifically allows the county clerk or relevant commission to redact the home addresses and names of dependent children from these financial statements and any related records before they are made accessible to the public. This change aims to enhance privacy for public officials while maintaining some level of transparency regarding their financial disclosures.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1872 appears to lean positively. The bill received overwhelming support in both the House and the Senate, indicating a consensus that the protection of personal information is a necessary step for those serving in public office. With a vote of Yeas 143 and Nays 0 in the House, and Yeas 30 and Nays 1 in the Senate, the sentiment among lawmakers demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of county judicial officers and acknowledges the potential risks they face.

Contention

While there was strong support for the bill, it is essential to note that not all feedback was universally positive. Some opponents may raise concerns about the implications of limiting public access to information that is often considered essential for transparency in government operations. Critics might argue that while privacy is important, financial transparency is vital for public trust and accountability, particularly in a role as influential as that of county judicial officers. The discussion around balancing these interests is likely to continue as the implementation of HB 1872 proceeds.