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.