By: Canales H.B. No. 4337
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the definition of a governmental record.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 37.01, Penal Code, is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 37.01. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Court record" means a decree, judgment, order,
subpoena, warrant, minutes, or other document issued by a court of:
(A) this state;
(B) another state;
(C) the United States;
(D) a foreign country recognized by an act of
congress or a treaty or other international convention to which the
United States is a party;
(E) an Indian tribe recognized by the United
States; or
(F) any other jurisdiction, territory, or
protectorate entitled to full faith and credit in this state under
the United States Constitution.
(2) "Governmental record" means:
(A) anything belonging to, received by, or kept
by government for information, including a court record;
(B) anything required by law to be kept by others
for information of government;
(C) a license, certificate, permit, seal, title,
letter of patent, or similar document issued by government, by
another state, or by the United States, or any foreign government
engaged in a reciprocal treaty or memorandum of understanding with
the United States;
(D) a standard proof of motor vehicle liability
insurance form described by Section 601.081, Transportation Code, a
certificate of an insurance company described by Section 601.083 of
that code, a document purporting to be such a form or certificate
that is not issued by an insurer authorized to write motor vehicle
liability insurance in this state, an electronic submission in a
form described by Section 502.046(i), Transportation Code, or an
evidence of financial responsibility described by Section 601.053
of that code;
(E) an official ballot or other election record;
or
(F) the written documentation a mobile food unit
is required to obtain under Section 437.0074, Health and Safety
Code.
(3) "Statement" means any representation of fact.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2023.