H.B. No. 1369 proposes amendments to the Texas Property Code to enhance the confidentiality of residential eviction case information. The bill introduces a new section, Sec. 24.012, which defines "eviction case" and "eviction case information," and outlines circumstances under which eviction case information must be made confidential. Specifically, a court is required to enter an order for confidentiality when a judgment favors the defendant, the case is dismissed without relief to the plaintiff, or when the defendant is a residential tenant not in default and the eviction is initiated by a successor in interest following foreclosure. Additionally, defendants can petition for confidentiality after five years from the final judgment under certain conditions.

The bill also establishes strict guidelines regarding the disclosure of confidential eviction case information, prohibiting intentional disclosure by courts or clerks except to specific parties involved in the case or approved entities. Violations of these confidentiality provisions can result in liability for actual or exemplary damages, along with attorney's fees. The Texas Supreme Court is tasked with adopting necessary rules for implementation by January 1, 2026, which is also the effective date of the Act.

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