House Bill No. 3185 introduces Chapter 426 to the Government Code, focusing on the investigation of cybercrimes in Texas. The bill defines "cybercrime" as offenses under specific chapters of the Penal Code that are committed using an Internet website or electronic service account. It grants prosecuting attorneys the authority to issue administrative subpoenas for the production of records related to cybercrime investigations, provided there is reasonable cause to believe that an Internet or electronic service account has been used in the commission of such crimes. The subpoena must detail the items to be produced and set a reasonable return date.
Additionally, the bill outlines the types of records that can be requested through these subpoenas, including personal identification information and service records, while also protecting certain sensitive information from disclosure, such as in-transit communications and account passwords. It establishes that any information obtained under these subpoenas is confidential and cannot be disclosed unless part of a related criminal case. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()