Texas House Bill HB2618

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the exception to disclosure under the public information law of certain personal information contained in a citation issued for a violation of a state traffic law or local traffic ordinance.

Impact

The proposed changes under HB 2618 would significantly alter how public information regarding traffic citations is managed in Texas. By limiting access to certain personal details, the bill seeks to provide greater privacy protections for those receiving traffic citations. However, the bill does allow access to this information for licensed news organizations, thereby attempting to balance privacy concerns with the public’s right to information. As a result, the bill may lead to a decrease in the visibility of traffic citations in local media, possibly affecting public awareness of traffic enforcement in their communities.

Summary

House Bill 2618 introduces amendments to the public information law concerning the disclosure of personal information found in traffic citations issued for violations of state traffic laws or local traffic ordinances. The bill aims to protect sensitive personal information of individuals cited for traffic violations by specifying that home addresses and personal telephone numbers are exempt from public disclosure. This is intended to safeguard the privacy of individuals from potential misuse of their personal information by the public.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HB 2618 is the potential conflict between enhancing privacy rights and maintaining transparency in government operations. Critics might argue that by restricting access to certain personal information, the bill could hinder the public's ability to hold law enforcement accountable and keep governmental agencies under scrutiny. Proponents, however, are likely to emphasize the importance of protecting individuals' personal details from unnecessary exposure, arguing that privacy should be prioritized to ensure citizens feel secure and protected from potential harassment or discrimination.