Texas House Bill HB4200

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to an exception from required disclosure of information related to certain crime victims maintained by a county or district clerk.

Impact

The implementation of HB4200 would have a significant impact on how governmental bodies handle requests for information pertaining to crime victims. By ensuring that certain records remain confidential, the law helps safeguard sensitive information that could otherwise lead to further victimization or trauma. This change in regulation is particularly crucial for protecting victims' identities from public scrutiny and possibly preventing secondary victimization in the aftermath of a crime.

Summary

House Bill 4200 seeks to amend the Government Code by establishing an exception to the required disclosure of information related to certain crime victims. Under this bill, specific records maintained by county or district clerks would be classified as confidential if they identify an individual as a victim of serious offenses or if the victim was younger than 17 years old at the time the offense was committed. This measure aims to protect the identities and privacy of vulnerable victims, particularly minors, who may have faced severe crimes such as sexual offenses.

Contention

While the bill is designed to enhance victim protections, there may be points of contention among legislators and advocacy groups regarding the balance between public safety and the right to privacy. Proponents of HB4200 argue that the measure is necessary to uphold the dignity of victims and encourage them to come forward without fear of exposure. Conversely, critics may express concerns over transparency in the criminal justice process or the potential implications for public records accessibility. The debate around such legislation often revolves around the necessity of privacy versus the public's right to know.