IMF H.B. 273 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


STATE AFFAIRS
H.B. 273
By: Davis
4-19-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

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.  

PURPOSE

This bill would create an exception to the Open Records Act to remove
personal information relating to members of a neighborhood crime watch
from public disclosure. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Title 5, Subtitle A, Chapter 552, Subchapter C of the
Government Code by adding Sec. 552.127 as follows: 

 Creates as exception to the Open Records Act for personal information
identifying  participants in neighborhood  crime watch organizations.
Defines "neighborhood crime  watch organization." 

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