SRC-JRN S.B. 1544 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1544 By: Ogden State Affairs 4-6-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, an employee of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is required to request within 14 days of employment that certain information be held confidential or confidentiality will be waived. However, law enforcement employees who have previously taken precautions to maintain confidentiality of certain information are required to revalidate this information when being employed by TDCJ. This bill validates prior actions taken by TDCJ employees to preserve the confidentiality of certain information. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1544 validates prior actions taken by Texas Department of Criminal Justice employees to preserve the confidentiality of certain information. 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 Section 552.117, Government Code, as follows: Sec. 552.117. EXCEPTION: CERTAIN ADDRESSES, TELEPHONE NUMBERS, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS, AND PERSONAL FAMILY INFORMATION. Provides that information is excepted from the requirements of Section 552.021 if it is information that reveals whether certain peace and security officers commissioned under Section 51.212, Education Code, and employees of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, regardless of whether these persons comply with Section 552.024, have family members. SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective unless certain acts are declared invalid. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.