BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 659
85R846 BEF-D	By: Campbell
	Business & Commerce
	3/20/2017
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, Texas law provides for confidentiality of certain personal information of many state employees. Home addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, emergency contacts, and names of family members are not disclosed in the open records request process.

Due to the public nature of their service, members of the legislature and statewide elected officials may also face potential risks related to the release of certain personal information. S.B. 659 recognizes that these threats, while rare, can put the safety of elected officials and their families in jeopardy. S.B. 659 allows for the confidentiality of certain personal information related to members of the legislature and statewide elected officials.

As proposed, S.B. 659 amends current law relating to the availability of personal information of a statewide elected official or member of the legislature.

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 Section 552.117(a), Government Code, as follows:

(a) Exempts information from the requirements of Section 552.021 (Availability of Public Information) if it is certain information relating to a state officer elected statewide or a member of the legislature, regardless of whether the officer or member complies with Section 552.024 (Electing to Disclose Address and Telephone Number) or Section 552.1175. Makes nonsubstantive changes.

SECTION 2. Amends the heading to Section 552.1175, Government Code, to read as follows:

Sec. 552.1175. EXCEPTION: CONFIDENTIALITY OF CERTAIN PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION OF PEACE OFFICERS AND OTHER OFFICIALS PERFORMING SENSITIVE GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS.

SECTION 3. Amends Section 552.1175(a), Government Code, to provide that this section applies to, among certain officials and employees, state officers elected statewide, and members of the legislature.

SECTION 4. Amends Section 25.025(a), Tax Code, to provide that this section (Confidentiality of Certain Home Address Information) applies to a state officer elected statewide or a member of the legislature, among certain officials and employees.

SECTION 5. Makes application of Sections 552.117 and 552.1175, Government Code, and Section 25.025, Tax Code, prospective.

SECTION 6. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.