Bill Caption

Relating to the disclosure of information collected by a metropolitan rapid transit authority, regional transportation authority, municipal transit department, or coordinated county transportation authority under the public information law.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 858 would add to the confidential information that a transportation authority cannot disclose; certain trip data, including the time, date, origin, and destination of a trip, as well as demographic information collected when a person purchases a ticket or schedules a trip. The bill would allow certain trip data to be shared with a governmental agency or an institution of higher education for the purposes of research or analysis; as long as the data is not sold, published, or used to contact any individual. 

Any receipts of fees and fares issued by the Department of Transportation will disclose any personal identifying information which includes: the name, address, email address, phone number, payment transaction activity, toll or charge record, trip data, other demographic information collected when the person purchases a ticket or schedules a trip, and personal financial information.

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 858 would provide additional safeguards against personal information from being disclosed or sold, promoting individual liberty and limited government. Texas Action supports SB 858 but recommends it be amended to prevent the data from being shared with higher education institutions or any additional agencies, outside the originating agency, without express consent from the individual from whom the data was collected.