Texas House Bill HB872

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the disclosure of certain utility customer information.

Impact

The implementation of HB 872 will have a significant effect on state laws regarding the protection of personal information from utility customers. It allows for broader disclosure of customer information by government-operated utilities, such as usage data and payment statuses, particularly when such data is collected through advanced metering systems. Utilities will be required to inform customers about their rights regarding the disclosure of their information and allow them to request specific disclosures, which marks a shift towards more transparency in utility operations.

Summary

House Bill 872 focuses on the disclosure of certain utility customer information. The key aspect of this bill is the regulations surrounding how government-operated utilities handle the personal information of their customers. It aims to amend existing laws on the confidentiality of customer data, specifically allowing government-operated utilities to disclose certain types of information if specific conditions are met. One important change is the introduction of provisions related to advanced metering systems, which collect data automatically and could reveal critical information about a customer's account status.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 872 appears generally positive, as it was passed unanimously in both the House and Senate, indicating broad bipartisan support. Many legislators expressed that the bill would help improve communication and transparency between utility companies and their customers, providing customers with better access to information relevant to their utility services. However, there may be concerns from privacy advocates regarding the potential for increased exposure of sensitive personal information.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 872 lies in the balance between transparency and the protection of personal data. While proponents see increased disclosure as beneficial, allowing customers to better understand their utility usage and billing practices, opponents may argue that this could lead to privacy violations if sensitive information is inappropriately disclosed. The bill's amendments to existing laws raise questions regarding what constitutes necessary information for disclosure and how utilities will manage the confidentiality of customer data under the new regulations.