SRC-JJJ H.B. 1353 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1353 76R4860 DLF-DBy: Deshotel (Bernsen) State Affairs 5/11/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Current law allows information collected for disaster planning purposes by certain governmental agencies to be accessed under an open records request. H.B. 1353 would establish conditions regarding certain information used for emergency management and disaster services. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1353 establishes conditions regarding certain information used for emergency management and disaster services. 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 418H, Government Code, by adding Section 418.175, as follows: Sec. 418.175. CERTAIN INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL. Provides that information that relates to physically or mentally disabled individuals or other medically fragile individuals and that is maintained for purposes of emergency management or disaster planning is confidential and excepted from required disclosure under Chapter 552. Provides that this section applies to information in the possession of any person, including the state, an agency, or political subdivision; or an electric, telecommunications, gas or water utility. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.