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, primarily for use by the department and certain governmental agencies for collision prevention and criminal investigations. It expands the list of entities eligible to receive this information, including law enforcement agencies, courts, and various stakeholders directly involved in the collision, such as drivers, vehicle owners, and insurance companies. Notably, the bill introduces a new subsection (e-1) that allows governmental entities to release vehicle identification numbers and specific collision information to authorized representatives of law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the protection of personal information by prohibiting the release of sensitive data, such as names, addresses, and insurance details, from collision reports. The amendments aim to enhance the confidentiality of collision report information while ensuring that relevant parties can access necessary data for legitimate purposes. 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)