S.B. No. 438, introduced by Hinojosa, aims to enhance the confidentiality protections for current and former administrative law judges at the State Office of Administrative Hearings. The bill amends Section 552.117 of the Government Code by adding a new subsection (a-1), which specifies that information related to the home address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, or social security number of these judges is exempt from public disclosure. Additionally, it protects information that reveals whether these judges have family members. The bill also amends Sections 552.1175 and 25.025 of the Government Code and Tax Code, respectively, to extend similar confidentiality protections to current and former administrative law judges.

The provisions of this bill will only apply to requests for information received by governmental bodies on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Requests received prior to this date will continue to be governed by the existing law. This legislation aims to ensure the privacy and safety of administrative law judges by safeguarding their personal information from public access.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 552.117, Government Code 552.1175, Tax Code 25.025 (Tax Code 25, Government Code 552)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 552.117, Government Code 552.1175, Tax Code 25.025 (Tax Code 25, Government Code 552)
Engrossed: Government Code 552.117, Government Code 552.1175, Tax Code 25.025 (Tax Code 25, Government Code 552)
House Committee Report: Government Code 552.117, Government Code 552.1175, Tax Code 25.025 (Tax Code 25, Government Code 552)