Relating to the prohibited release of personal information collected during the jury selection process.
Impact
The primary impact of SB1928 is the establishment of clear guidelines regarding the handling of personal information gathered during jury selection. By making this information confidential, the bill addresses potential privacy concerns related to jurors and aims to foster a more secure environment for participants in the judicial process. This legislation will apply to individuals reporting for jury duty on or after its effective date, September 1, 2025, thus shaping the future conduct of jury selection in Texas courts.
Summary
SB1928, introduced by Senator Hinojosa, aims to enhance the confidentiality of personal information collected during the jury selection process in Texas. The bill proposes the addition of Section 62.022 to Subchapter A of Chapter 62 in the Government Code, which specifically protects various personal details reported by individuals serving on jury duty. This includes sensitive information such as home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, and driver's license numbers, ensuring that such information is not disclosed by court personnel or involved parties without proper authorization.
Contention
There may be notable points of contention around the enforcement and implications of this bill. Questions regarding how ‘good cause’ for the disclosure of personal information will be determined by the court could arise. Moreover, there might be debates over the balance between the right to a fair trial—which can involve accessing juror information by parties—and the need to protect jurors' identities and personal details from public exposure. Advocates for juror confidentiality may argue for stronger protections, while some legal representatives could express concerns about restricted access that might hinder the justice process.
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.