78R2236 JD-D
By: Allen H.B. No. 437
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to an exemption from public disclosure for information
that is collected, assembled, or maintained for purposes of
emergency management or disaster planning.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 418.175, Government Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 418.175. CERTAIN INFORMATION EXCEPTED FROM PUBLIC
DISCLOSURE [CONFIDENTIAL]. (a) Information that [relates to
physically or mentally disabled individuals or other medically
fragile individuals and that] is collected, assembled, or
maintained for purposes of emergency management or disaster
planning is [confidential and] excepted from required disclosure
under Chapter 552 if the person in possession of the information
believes that disclosure of the information would compromise or
interfere with implementation of the emergency management or
disaster plan of the state, an agency or political subdivision of
the state, or an agency of a political subdivision of the state.
(b) This section applies to information in the possession of
any person, including:
(1) the state, an agency or [of the state, a] political
subdivision of the state, or an agency of a political subdivision of
the state; or
(2) an electric, telecommunications, gas, or water
utility.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.