Bill
HB 1293
84(R) - 2015
House Criminal Jurisprudence
House Criminal Jurisprudence
10th Amendment
Crimes
Open Records
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Positive
Author(s)
Carol Alvarado
Co-Author(s)
Tony Dale
Sarah Davis
Abel Herrero
Joe Moody
Bill Caption
Relating to the confidentiality of identifying information of victims of stalking; creating a criminal offense.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State or local units of government is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
HB 1293 would add an additional chapter to the Code of Criminal Procedure entitled “Confidentiality of Identifying Information of Victims of Stalking.” This chapter would set up a voluntary procedure to protect the confidentiality of victims. If invoked, the victim's name may not to be disclosed to any person other than the defendant in the case, the defendant’s attorney, or during an order of a court of contempt, and would substitute the name for a pseudonym on all public files and records concerning the offense, including police summary reports, press releases, and records of judicial proceedings.
This bill creates an offense for a public official who reveals the identity of a victim who opts to use a pseudonym (unless allowed by another law), subject to a Class C misdemeanor charge.
Vote Recommendation Notes
HB 1293 would help shield victims (and alleged victims) of stalking from unnecessary and unwanted attention by the public and media by allowing a victim to choose a pseudonym in place of their real name on all public filings and reports.
We support this bill for preserving individual liberty in the form of privacy protection.
Organizations Supporting
Texas Apartment Association
The Texas Council on Family Violence
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