Texas House Bill HB3663

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the availability under the public information law of certain information regarding a business that applies for state or federal disaster recovery funds.

Impact

The implications of HB3663 are significant as it affects the balance between public information access and confidentiality of sensitive business data. By enhancing confidentiality provisions for businesses applying for disaster recovery funds, the bill seeks to safeguard against unauthorized disclosure that could lead to privacy infringement or competitive disadvantage. This amendment reinforces the existing laws that protect personal information and addresses concerns over transparency in government-funded disaster recovery initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 3663 amends Section 552.160(b) of the Government Code, specifically addressing the confidentiality of certain information related to businesses applying for state or federal disaster recovery funds. This legislation categorizes information including the name, tax identification number, address, and telephone number of a business entity as confidential, aiming to protect the identities of applicants. This move is particularly relevant in the aftermath of natural disasters, where businesses may seek recovery assistance to rebuild or stabilize operations.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its protective measures, there may be concerns raised regarding the potential lack of transparency surrounding the distribution of disaster recovery funds. Critics might argue that by limiting information about business applicants, it could foster an atmosphere of opacity in the allocation of public funds, hindering accountability. The dichotomy of protecting business interests while ensuring public oversight creates a challenging landscape for legislators as they seek to implement this law.