SRC-MAX H.B. 273 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 273
By: Davis (Cain)
State Affairs
5-16-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 
 
Currently, personal information relating to individuals that participate
in neighborhood crime watch groups is subject to disclosure under the Open
Records Act. With membership lists available to the public, criminals are
able to get the names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. of crime watch group
members.   In various neighborhoods, where crime watch groups are active,
there have been threats and acts of retaliation against the members of
these groups.  This bill sets forth provisions regarding the exception of
certain personal information relating to participants in a neighborhood
crime watch organization from required public disclosure under the open
records law.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 273 sets forth provisions regarding the exception of
certain personal information relating to participants in a neighborhood
crime watch organization from required public disclosure under the open
records law.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 552C, Government Code, by adding Section
552.127, as follows: 

Sec.  552.127.  EXCEPTION:  PERSONAL INFORMATION RELATING TO PARTICIPANTS
IN NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME WATCH ORGANIZATION.  Provides that information is
excepted from the requirements of Section 552.021 if the information
identifies a person as a participant in a neighborhood crime watch
organization and relates to the name, home address, business address, home
telephone number, or business telephone number of the person. Defines
"neighborhood crime watch organization." 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.