Relating to the prohibited release of personal information collected during the jury selection process.
Impact
The bill's passage is expected to significantly influence how courts handle personal information related to jurors, aligning Texas law with broader trends toward data protection and privacy rights. It reflects growing concerns about data security in public systems, especially concerning individuals participating in civic duties like jury service. By establishing clear guidelines that limit the dissemination of juror information, HB 1495 aims to minimize the risk of harassment or trauma associated with public exposure of jurors' personal details.
Summary
House Bill 1495 seeks to enhance privacy and confidentiality protections for individuals serving on jury duty by restricting the release of personal information collected during the jury selection process. Under this legislation, details such as a person's home address, telephone number, social security number, and driver's license number will be classified as confidential and cannot be disclosed by court officials or attorneys involved in proceedings. This bill aims to create a secure environment for jurors and protect their personal data from potential misuse or public access.
Sentiment
Discussions surrounding HB 1495 seem to lean towards a supportive sentiment, particularly among advocates for privacy rights and legal reformers who emphasize the importance of safeguarding personal data. The proactive measures taken in this bill are viewed positively, as they enhance trust in the judicial process and encourage civic engagement. However, there may be skepticism about the bill's implementation and effectiveness, particularly regarding how courts will balance confidentiality with the transparency required in judicial processes.
Contention
While there is broad support for the idea of protecting jurors’ personal information, some lawmakers and stakeholders may still express concerns regarding the provisions of the bill. There is a potential contention around the conditions under which personal information may be disclosed—specifically, the necessity of demonstrating 'good cause' for disclosure. This clause might raise questions about its interpretation and enforcement, particularly in cases where media or public interest is involved.
Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.
Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.
Relating to the authority of individuals over the personal identifying information collected, processed, or maintained about the individuals and certain others by certain businesses.
Relating to the protection of personally identifiable student information and the use of covered information by an operator or educational entity; authorizing a civil and administrative penalty.
Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures regarding proceedings in the judicial branch of state government, including the service of process and delivery of documents related to the proceedings, the administration of oaths, and the management of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and the composition of certain juvenile boards; establishing a civil penalty; increasing certain court costs; authorizing fees.
Relating to the prohibited release by a public agency of personal affiliation information regarding the members, supporters, or volunteers of or donors to certain nonprofit organizations; creating a criminal offense.