Texas House Bill HB804

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 11/28/22
• Out of House Committee: 4/20/23
• Voted on by House: 4/28/23

Caption

Relating to the confidentiality of juvenile justice information.

Impact

If enacted, HB 804 would modify the Family Code, specifically Section 58.009, to enhance the confidentiality of identifiable juvenile justice information. This change would prevent the Texas Juvenile Justice Department from disseminating identifiable data, thus preserving the privacy of juveniles. However, the department will maintain the ability to release aggregate data that does not identify individuals, helping researchers and policymakers analyze the juvenile justice system's performance and areas needing improvement.

Summary

House Bill 804, introduced by Representative Talerico, addresses the confidentiality of juvenile justice information in Texas. The bill aims to amend existing laws to ensure that while juvenile offender records remain confidential, the public can still access certain aggregate data for research and statistical analysis. This legislation is designed to protect the privacy of juveniles in the justice system while also allowing for transparency and understanding of juvenile justice trends through non-identifiable aggregate data.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 804 has generally been positive among legislators and advocates for juvenile justice reform. Supporters argue that the bill strikes a necessary balance between protecting youth privacy and allowing for robust research on juvenile justice issues. Notably, the bill passed through the House with substantial support, reflecting a consensus on its importance. However, some concerns were raised about whether it sufficiently safeguards identifiable information, leading to discussions on the handling of data and potential repercussions for unauthorized dissemination.

Contention

Despite its support, there have been discussions regarding the extent to which aggregate data should be shared. Opponents of the bill argue that even aggregate data could lead to unintended identification of individuals, especially if the data sample is small. These concerns highlight a tension between the need for public access to information and the imperative to protect the privacy of vulnerable individuals, particularly juveniles involved in the justice system.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

• Chapter 58. Records; Juvenile Justice Information System
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section