The bill, S.B. No. 1524, aims to enhance the confidentiality of information regarding firearms in agency foster homes in Texas. It introduces several new subsections to Section 42.042 of the Human Resources Code. Specifically, it prohibits the commission, the department, and child-placing agencies from requiring agency foster homes to disclose the specific types of firearms present or to notify them 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 other purposes.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a civil penalty for child-placing agencies that violate the confidentiality provisions, with fines up to $5,000 for each violation, enforceable by the attorney general. It also explicitly states that information regarding the types of firearms in agency foster homes is confidential and not subject to public disclosure under the Government Code. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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