Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB562

Filed
11/14/22  
Out of House Committee
4/17/23  
Voted on by House
4/28/23  
Out of Senate Committee
5/10/23  
Voted on by Senate
5/17/23  
Governor Action
6/10/23  

Caption

Relating to the confidentiality of certain information received or maintained by the Veterans' Land Board.

Impact

The introduction of HB 562 could have significant implications for state laws governing data privacy and the handling of personal information within government agencies. By codifying these confidentiality standards, the bill aims to align with broader efforts to protect the privacy rights of veterans, addressing existing vulnerabilities concerning the potential disclosure of sensitive data. This legislation reflects an increasing recognition of the importance of securing personal data, especially for populations who may be at risk of identity theft or exploitation.

Summary

House Bill 562 focuses on enhancing the confidentiality of sensitive information managed by the Veterans' Land Board (VLB) in Texas. The bill specifies that certain personal identifiable information (PII) related to veterans and their families is to be kept confidential and not disclosed publicly. This include details such as names, addresses, contact numbers, and social security numbers. The measure aims to prevent unauthorized access to this information, thereby safeguarding the privacy of those who have served in the military and their relatives.

Sentiment

Discussion around HB 562 has shown a strong bipartisan sentiment in favor of the bill. Proponents, including representatives from the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars, highlighted the necessity of protecting veterans' sensitive information as a national priority. The overall tone in legislative discussions has been supportive, emphasizing the bill as a sensible and prudent measure to enhance privacy protections for veterans and their families. There were no significant opponents to the bill, reflecting a unified stance on the need for such privacy measures.

Contention

While there was broad agreement on the importance of protecting veteran information, the bill opens discussions about the balance between transparency and privacy in government operations. Although not contested, the passage of HB 562 could prompt further dialogue on how other state programs and services manage sensitive data. Moving forward, the emphasis on confidentiality may also lead to scrutiny of existing practices within the Veterans' Land Board and other agencies tasked with handling personal information.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Natural Resources Code

  • Chapter 161. Veterans Land Board
    • Section: 080
    • Section: 080
    • Section: 080
    • Section: 080
    • Section: 080

Government Code

  • Chapter 552. Public Information
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 137

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.