The bill, S.B. No. 948, introduces new provisions to the Texas Property Code regarding the confidentiality of residential eviction case information. It adds Section 24.012, which defines "eviction case" and "eviction case information," and establishes that a court must make eviction case information confidential under certain conditions. These conditions include instances where a judgment is entered in favor of the defendant, the case is dismissed without relief to the plaintiff, or the defendant is a residential tenant not in default due to foreclosure. Additionally, the bill allows for confidentiality to be granted upon petition after five years from the final judgment, or during the appeal process.

The bill also outlines the restrictions on disclosing confidential eviction case information, specifying that courts and clerks may only share this information with judges, court staff, and involved parties, while prohibiting disclosure to credit reporting agencies and others who collect eviction data. Violations of these confidentiality provisions can result in liability for actual or exemplary damages, as well as attorney's fees. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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