S.B. No. 948 aims to enhance the confidentiality of residential eviction case information in Texas by amending Chapter 24 of the Property Code. The bill introduces a new section, 24.012, which defines "eviction case" and "eviction case information," and establishes conditions under which eviction case information must be made confidential. Specifically, a court is required to enter an order for confidentiality concurrently with a judgment or dismissal if the judgment favors the defendant, the case is dismissed without relief to the plaintiff, or if the defendant is a 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 outlines the restrictions on the disclosure of confidential eviction case information, stating that courts and clerks cannot intentionally disclose this information except to specific parties, such as judges, court staff, and the involved parties or their counsel. It prohibits credit reporting agencies and others from using eviction case information in tenant screening reports. Violations of these confidentiality provisions can result in liability for actual or exemplary damages, along with reasonable attorney's fees. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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