H.B. No. 1403 amends the Human Resources Code to enhance the confidentiality of information regarding firearms in agency foster homes. The bill prohibits the commission, the department, and child-placing agencies from requiring agency foster homes to disclose specific types of firearms present in the home or to notify the agency of any changes in the types of firearms. Additionally, if any agency obtains information about firearms in a foster home, it can only use that information to determine the presence of firearms, ensuring that it is not used for any other purpose.

The bill also establishes a civil penalty for child-placing agencies that violate the confidentiality provisions, with fines up to $5,000 for each violation. Furthermore, it explicitly states that information about the types of firearms in agency foster homes is confidential and not subject to disclosure under the Government Code. This legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Human Resources Code 42.042 (Human Resources Code 42)
House Committee Report: Human Resources Code 42.042 (Human Resources Code 42)
Engrossed: Human Resources Code 42.042 (Human Resources Code 42)
Senate Committee Report: Human Resources Code 42.042 (Human Resources Code 42)
Enrolled: Human Resources Code 42.042 (Human Resources Code 42)