Texas House Bill HB2270

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/30/25

Caption

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
  • Section: 005
  • Section: New Section