SRC-AXB H.B. 692 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 692
By: Janek (Nelson)
State Affairs
5/4/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, a physician's social security number (SSN) is freely available
to anyone who requests that information from the Texas State Board of
Medial Examiners.  Although current state law protects an individual's SSN
by labeling it as "personal information," the attorney general has ruled in
an opinion that an SSN is not considered confidential data.  H.B. 692
provides for the confidentiality of the SSN of an applicant for, or holder
of, legal authorization to practice an occupation or profession. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 692 protects the confidentiality of the social security
number of an applicant for, or holder of, legal authorization to practice
an occupation or profession. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  CONFIDENTIALITY OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.  Provides for the
confidentiality and exemption from disclosure under the open records law of
the social security number of an applicant for, or holder of, legal
authorization to practice a specific occupation. 

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