Relating to the disclosure of certain information regarding a record of a collision or violation involving a person operating a railroad locomotive or train.
Impact
This legislation is geared towards sanitizing the data circulated regarding railroad incidents, creating a framework that protects operators from having their personal information publicly disclosed. It limits access to this sensitive information strictly to law enforcement agencies, regulatory authorities overseeing railroads, or the railroad company itself involved in the incident. Furthermore, any disclosure must be authorized by court order, raising the threshold for when such information can be shared, thus reinforcing the confidentiality accorded to railroad employees.
Summary
House Bill 2270 proposes amendments to the Transportation Code, specifically focusing on how records involving collisions or violations with railroad locomotives or trains are handled. The bill stipulates that if a locomotive or train operator is involved in an incident, their driver's license information cannot be included in any related reports, thereby enhancing privacy protections. Additionally, these incidents will not be recorded on the individual driving record kept by the Department of Public Safety, effectively shielding operators from repercussions that may arise from such collisions or violations.
Contention
The core of the discussion around HB2270 is likely to revolve around the balance between privacy and the necessity for transparency in public records. Proponents may argue that this bill is essential for protecting railroad operators' personal details, reducing the potential for bias in investigations that might heap undue blame or penalties on innocent operators. However, critics could contend that shielding information could impede accountability and oversight, preventing thorough investigations into railroad safety incidents that might require public scrutiny. Thus, the bill may face contention regarding the implications of limiting access to vital data necessary for regulatory measures.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Transportation Code
Chapter 192. Engineer's Operator Permit And Train Operator Permit
Identical
Relating to the disclosure of certain information regarding a record of a collision or violation involving a person operating a railroad locomotive or train.
Relating to the suspension of the driver's license of a person arrested for an offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.
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.
Relating to certain laws that regulate aspects of illegal immigration in this state, including laws pertaining to the DNA records of certain persons subject to an immigration detainer request, the recognition of certain out-of-state driver's licenses, inviting certain federal agencies to participate on the homeland security council, the reporting of certain uncompensated hospital care costs, and certain requirements for participation in the E-verify program; increasing a criminal penalty.
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.