SRC-SLL H.B. 1583 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1583 76R12987 DAK-DBy: Jones, Jesse (West) Jurisprudence 5/11/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the Family Code requires physical law enforcement records and files concerning a child to be kept separately from adult files and records. The Family Code is not specific as to whether this applies to electronically-stored information as well as tangible records and files. H.B. 1583 requires a record or file concerning a child that is stored electronically to be accessible under controls that are separate and distinct from controls to access electronic data concerning adults. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1583 requires a record or file concerning a child that is stored electronically to be accessible under controls that are separate and distinct from controls to access electronic data concerning adults. 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 Sections 58.007(a) and (c), Family Code, to provide that this section applies only to the storage of information, by electronic means or otherwise, concerning the child from which a physical record or file could be generated, among other information. Prohibits law enforcement records and files concerning a child and information stored, by electronic means or otherwise, concerning the child from which a record or file could be generated from being disclosed to the public and shall be, if maintained on paper or microfilm, kept separate from adult files and records, or if maintained electronically in the same computer system as records or files relating to adults, be accessible under controls that are separate and distinct from controls to access electronic data concerning adults. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.