SRC-SEW S.B. 247 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 247 77R382 JD-DBy: Shapleigh State Affairs 2/26/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, governmental agencies are authorized to release the personal information of a peace officer for which it receives an "open records" request under certain conditions. As proposed, S.B. 247 prohibits state and local governmental agencies, such as a tax appraisal district, from releasing personal information in appraisal records. This bill also provides that a governmental body that receives an "open records" request in writing from a peace officer may not release appraisal record information to the public that contains the peace officer's name, home address, home telephone number, social security number, or whether that officer has family members. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 25, Tax Code, by adding Section 25.025, as follows: Sec. 25.025. CONFIDENTIALITY OF CERTAIN HOME ADDRESS INFORMATION. Requires that information in appraisal records under Section 25.02 be confidential and available only under certain conditions for the official use of the appraisal district, this state, the comptroller, and taxing units and political subdivisions. Provides that a confidentiality remains valid until rescinded in writing by the peace officer, security officer, or employee. Provides that this section does not prohibit the public disclosure of information in appraisal records that identifies property according to an address if the information does not identify an individual who has made an election under this section in connection with the individual's address. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2001.