Texas House Bill HB2892

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/14/25
• Out of House Committee: 5/6/25

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2892 would significantly modify existing laws regarding the handling of personal data by public agencies. It would establish strict penalties for violations, classifying breaches as criminal offenses subject to misdemeanor charges. Moreover, individuals would have legal recourse to sue public agencies for any unauthorized release of their affiliation information, thus broadening the legal landscape surrounding privacy rights in relation to nonprofit organizational involvement.

Summary

House Bill 2892 addresses the protection of personal affiliation information related to nonprofit organizations, which includes details about members, supporters, volunteers, and donors. The bill prohibits public agencies from requiring or disclosing such information without the individual's consent, thereby creating a new legal framework aimed at safeguarding the privacy of those involved with nonprofits. The overarching intention of the bill is to enhance confidentiality and trust within the nonprofit sector by preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2892 appears to be largely supportive within nonprofit sectors, as it promises to bolster privacy protections. Advocates for the bill highlight its potential for enhancing the security and confidentiality of nonprofit operations. However, there may be concerns about the implications of increased restrictions for government transparency and accountability, leading to debates about the balance between privacy and public oversight of nonprofit organizations. Opponents might argue that such protections could hinder legitimate inquiries into the activities of nonprofits and raise complications in oversight.

Contention

Discussion about HB 2892 has revealed notable points of contention, particularly regarding the tension between privacy rights and the transparency obligations of public agencies. Critics fear that overly stringent protections could lead to an environment where public agencies cannot effectively monitor nonprofit compliance with regulations. Furthermore, the specific provisions regarding civil actions and penalties might be seen as excessive by some lawmakers, leading to potential challenges regarding the bill's enforcement and effectiveness in achieving its intended goals.