The bill, S.B. No. 1524, amends the Human Resources Code to enhance the confidentiality of information regarding firearms in agency foster homes. It introduces several new subsections (e-6 to e-9) that prohibit the commission, department, and child-placing agencies from requiring agency foster homes to disclose specific types of firearms present in the home or to notify them of any changes in that information. Additionally, if any agency obtains information about firearms in a foster home, it can only be used to determine the presence of firearms, ensuring that this information is not misused.

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, and allows the attorney general to take action to recover these penalties. 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)