Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4854

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the authority of individuals over the personal identifying information collected, processed, or maintained about the individuals and certain others by certain businesses.

Impact

HB 4854 is expected to significantly impact state laws regarding data privacy and consumer rights. It creates specific standards for businesses to follow when managing consumer data, particularly for those with substantial operations and more than 50 employees. By setting thresholds for applicability, such as records for over 5,000 individuals and revenue exceeding $25 million, the bill targets larger businesses while potentially leaving smaller entities exempt. This approach aims to strike a balance between protecting consumers and minimizing unnecessary burdens on smaller businesses.

Summary

House Bill 4854 aims to enhance individual control over personal identifying information collected by businesses operating in Texas. The bill outlines definitions for key terms, including 'business' and 'personal identifying information,' and introduces provisions regarding the collection, processing, and sharing of such data. It establishes that individuals have the right to access their personal information, request its deletion, and transfer it between businesses, thus increasing transparency and accountability in data handling practices. This is particularly relevant in today's digital landscape, where individuals often lose control over their personal data after sharing it online.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4854 appears largely positive among consumer advocacy groups and individuals concerned about data privacy. Proponents argue that the bill represents a necessary step in empowering consumers and ensuring that businesses handle personal information responsibly. However, there may also be concerns raised by some businesses regarding the increased regulatory requirements and the potential impact on business operations, especially for those that might struggle with compliance costs.

Contention

A notable point of contention with HB 4854 lies in the balance between individual rights and business interests. While consumer advocates celebrate the enhanced rights over personal information, businesses may view the increased regulations as a challenge, particularly in regards to potential operational impacts and compliance requirements. The provisions for data portability and deletion requests may raise questions about the feasibility and costs for small businesses. The discussion around this bill underscores the ongoing debate over data privacy and the extent to which consumer rights should be protected in the context of rapidly evolving technology and business practices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5081

Relating to the protection of personal identifying information of certain individuals in the judicial system; creating a criminal offense.

TX H4673

Doxxing

TX A08101

Establishes the New York Data Protection Act; requires government entities and contractors to disclose certain personal information collected about individuals.

TX SB2459

Relating to the protection of personal identifying information of certain persons in the judicial system; authorizing a civil right of action; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB29

DNA Sampling, Collection, and Analysis; collection of DNA samples of individuals arrested for the commission of a felony at the time such individuals are booked or otherwise processed by a detention facility; provide

TX HB5129

Relating to the security of certain personal identifying information submitted to or retained by a state agency.

TX S1356

Permits individuals to access, and authorize sharing of, certain health data and information collected by medical device technology companies.

TX HB2460

Modifying an exception to the Kansas open records act that authorizes certain individuals to have identifying information restricted from public access on public websites that identify home addresses or home ownership by providing that certain individuals who were employed for five or more years, certain elected officials and persons who reside at an address that is subject to restriction from public access may request to have such information restricted and removing an exception related to information or reports obtained and prepared by the office of the state bank commissioner.

TX A10357

Provides for the protection of health information; establishes requirements for communications to individuals about their health information; requires either written consent or a designated necessary purpose for the processing of an individual's health information.

TX S09269

Provides for the protection of health information; establishes requirements for communications to individuals about their health information; requires either written consent or a designated necessary purpose for the processing of an individual's health information.

Similar Bills

ME LD2085

An Act to Include a Certain Emergency Communications Position at the Department of Public Safety in the 1998 Special Plan

ME LD579

An Act to Include Certain Nurses Under the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement

ME LD794

An Act to Include Judicial Marshals in the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement

ME LD137

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ME LD2067

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US SB1198

Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act

NJ S2602

"New Jersey Disclosure and Accountability Transparency Act (NJ DaTA)"; establishes certain requirements for disclosure and processing of personally identifiable information; establishes Office of Data Protection and Responsible Use in Division of Consumer Affairs.

NJ A1360

"New Jersey Disclosure and Accountability Transparency Act (NJ DaTA)"; establishes certain requirements for disclosure and processing of personally identifiable information; establishes Office of Data Protection and Responsible Use in Division of Consumer Affairs.