Texas House Bill HB3569

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the dissemination of eviction case information.

Impact

The legislation is designed to impact the visibility of eviction cases within public records. Under this bill, courts would be required to issue an order of limited dissemination of eviction information under specific conditions, such as when the judgment favors the defendant or when the case has been dismissed without relief to the landlord. This aims to mitigate the long-term repercussions of eviction records on a tenant's ability to secure housing in the future, thereby fostering a more stable housing environment.

Summary

House Bill 3569 seeks to amend the Property Code by adding provisions for the limited dissemination of eviction case information. This bill is primarily focused on enhancing the protection of tenants' privacy by regulating how eviction records are handled once a case has concluded. It defines 'eviction case information' broadly, encompassing all records related to such filings. The intent is to limit the accessibility of these records to prevent potential discrimination against tenants who may have faced eviction but not necessarily due to their fault or default.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HB3569 include concerns from landlords and tenant screening agencies about the implications of limiting access to eviction records. Supporters of the bill argue it protects tenants from being unfairly penalized for past housing challenges. Conversely, critics may argue that it could hinder landlords' ability to make informed decisions when renting to new tenants, potentially leading to issues like increased rental defaults. Balancing tenant privacy rights and landlords' need for relevant information continues to be a debated topic in discussions surrounding this legislation.