S.B. No. 1598 amends Section 550.065 of the Transportation Code regarding the release of motor vehicle collision report information. The bill specifies that the information is privileged and confidential for use by certain governmental entities and law enforcement agencies, with the addition of allowing access for criminal investigations. It expands the list of entities that can request collision report information, including authorized representatives of law enforcement agencies and various stakeholders involved in the collision, such as insurance companies and media outlets.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new subsection (e-1) that permits governmental entities to release vehicle identification numbers and specific collision information to law enforcement agencies. It also clarifies that personal information, such as names, addresses, and insurance details, must be withheld or redacted when releasing collision reports. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 550.065 (Transportation Code 550)
Senate Committee Report: Transportation Code 550.065 (Transportation Code 550)
Engrossed: Transportation Code 550.065 (Transportation Code 550)
House Committee Report: Transportation Code 550.065 (Transportation Code 550)
Enrolled: Transportation Code 550.065 (Transportation Code 550)