Texas House Bill HB3534

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the disclosure to a law enforcement agency of confidential information relating to a complaint filed with the Texas Ethics Commission; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

If enacted, HB3534 would create a legal means for the Texas Ethics Commission to share specific confidential information with law enforcement agencies, like in cases of potential criminal activity. This significantly modifies existing confidentiality protocols by introducing a layer of transparency to law enforcement functions concerning ethics complaints, potentially fostering better cooperation between regulatory and law enforcement bodies.

Summary

House Bill 3534 proposes amendments to the Government Code concerning the disclosure of confidential information related to complaints filed with the Texas Ethics Commission. The bill establishes that while the proceedings and related documents remain confidential, certain information may be disclosed to law enforcement agencies. This provision is aimed at allowing law enforcement to perform their separate duties effectively while still maintaining the confidentiality of the disclosed information.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding this bill may arise from concerns about how confidentiality and privacy are balanced with the necessity for law enforcement oversight. Opponents could argue that even limited disclosures risk violating the principles of confidentiality that protect the integrity of complaints lodged with the Ethics Commission. Furthermore, there could be concerns regarding the potential misuse of disclosed information by law enforcement agencies, despite the bill’s attempt to ensure that such information remains confidential.