SRC-SEW S.B. 694 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 694 77R5366 JD-DBy: Wentworth State Affairs 3/7/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, the use of the Internet for business and government transactions is growing. State and local agencies are beginning to acquire credit and debit card numbers from both citizens and organizations. This creates a potential for fraud unless disclosure of these numbers can be prevented. While individuals' credit card numbers can be withheld from disclosure under the Public Information Act, state law is unclear as to whether the credit card numbers of organizations can be withheld as well. As proposed, S.B. 694 clarifies the language of the law to make confidential all credit and debit card numbers held in governmental records. 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 552C, Government Code, by adding Section 552.136, as follows: Sec. 552.136. CONFIDENTIALITY OF CREDIT CARD, DEBIT CARD, AND ACCESS DEVICE NUMBERS. Defines "access device." Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a credit card, debit card, or access device number that is collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body is confidential. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.