Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1911

Filed
2/3/23  
Out of House Committee
4/19/23  
Voted on by House
4/28/23  
Out of Senate Committee
5/16/23  
Voted on by Senate
5/18/23  
Governor Action
6/9/23  

Caption

Relating to the confidentiality of certain home address information in ad valorem tax appraisal records.

Impact

The implementation of HB1911 is expected to enhance the safety and privacy of vulnerable government employees working in challenging environments. By allowing these individuals to keep their home addresses confidential, the bill safeguards their personal information from public disclosure, thereby reducing the risks associated with their line of work. This legislative action not only reflects the state's commitment to protecting its employees but also aims to create an environment where professionals can perform their duties without fear of reprisal from those they may interact with in their official capacity.

Summary

House Bill 1911 is a legislative measure aimed at expanding the confidentiality protections for certain government employees, specifically focusing on contract employees associated with university health systems. The bill seeks to amend the existing statutes that allow specific groups of employees, such as corrections staff and child protective services workers, to keep their home addresses confidential due to safety concerns. By including university health system contract employees and attorneys from the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), the bill acknowledges the risks these individuals face in their professional roles and provides additional layers of protection against potential threats or retaliation.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB1911 seems to be positive, particularly among supporters who advocate for the protection of public employees' safety. During discussions, several individuals expressed strong support for the legislation, emphasizing the need for such measures in a climate where threats to public employee safety are prevalent. The bill faced no opposing testimony during the committee reviews, which suggests a consensus or at least a perception of urgency regarding the need for employee protection in vulnerable positions.

Contention

While there were no significant points of contention publicly voiced against HB1911, the broader implications of enhancing confidentiality rights for additional employee categories may invite scrutiny. The inclusion of university health care contract employees marks a notable expansion of protections, which could prompt discussions about the extent to which confidentiality should be extended to other groups in the public sector. There may be arguments raised in the future around balancing transparency and accountability with the necessity of confidentiality in certain public roles, particularly in relation to taxpayer-funded positions.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Tax Code

  • Chapter 25. Local Appraisal
    • Section: 025
    • Section: 025
    • Section: 025
    • Section: 025
    • Section: 025

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 2. General Duties Of Officers
    • Section: 12
  • Chapter 17. Bail
    • Section: 292
  • Chapter 58. Confidentiality Of Identifying Information And Medical Records Of Certain Crime Victims
    • Section: New Section

Occupations Code

  • Chapter 1701. Law Enforcement Officers
    • Section: 001
    • Section: 001
    • Section: 001
    • Section: 001
  • Chapter 1702. Private Security
    • Section: 002

Family Code

  • Chapter 71. Definitions
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 261. Investigation Of Report Of Child Abuse Or Neglect
    • Section: 405
    • Section: 405

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 773. Emergency Medical Services
    • Section: 003
    • Section: 003
    • Section: 003

Government Code

  • Chapter 76. Community Supervision And Corrections Departments
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Human Resources Code

  • Chapter 12. Penal Provisions
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX SB889

Similar Relating to the confidentiality of certain home address information in ad valorem tax appraisal records.

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