Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for a current or former administrative law judge for the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
Summary
SB 438 expands confidentiality protections for current and former administrative law judges at the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). The bill amends the Public Information Act and related privacy provisions so that certain personal information about these judges is excepted from disclosure, including home address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, Social Security number, and information revealing whether they have family members. It also extends existing protections in the Government Code and Tax Code to include SOAH administrative law judges, whether current or former.
The bill applies prospectively to public information requests received on or after its effective date, and it takes effect September 1, 2025. In practical terms, it narrows what government bodies must release in response to open records requests and adds SOAH administrative law judges to categories of officials already afforded enhanced privacy protections under Texas law.
Impact
SB 438 changes Sections 552.117 and 552.1175 of the Government Code and Section 25.025 of the Tax Code to expressly cover current and former SOAH administrative law judges. This means their personal identifying and family-related information receives heightened confidentiality, regardless of whether they have filed the usual election or request forms that may otherwise be required for similar protections. The bill affects governmental bodies responding to public information requests and county appraisal/tax records practices that disclose protected address information.
Sentiment
The available legislative record suggests the bill moved without recorded opposition in the provided vote history, and there are no committee transcript excerpts indicating controversy. Its progression to the House General State Calendar and the absence of nay votes in the listed actions suggest generally favorable or at least noncontroversial treatment. Overall, the sentiment appears supportive of privacy and security protections for SOAH judges.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. The main policy choice in the bill is whether SOAH administrative law judges should receive the same enhanced confidentiality protections already available to other categories of public officials. Any potential concern would likely center on balancing personal privacy and safety against public access to information, but no opposing arguments are reflected in the transcript or vote data provided.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for employees of a county, a court, or the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System and the employees' family members.
Concerning participation in the address confidentiality program by administrative law judges and staff employed by the office of administrative hearings.
Relating to court administration, including the term of a local administrative judge, court administration training, and the compensation of certain administrative judges.
Relating to court administration, including the term of a local administrative judge, court administration training, and the compensation of certain administrative judges.
Relating to the availability of certain personal information of a child, spouse, or surviving spouse of a current or former employee of the office of the attorney general or of a public defender's office.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for commissioners and employees whose duties relate to the administration of the judicial branch of state government and the commissioners' and employees' family members.
Commission on the Selection and Tenure of Administrative Law Judges of the Office of Administrative Hearings Laura Hankins Reappointment Resolution of 2026