S.B. No. 1749 aims to enhance the confidentiality of personal information for officials and employees associated with the judicial branch of the state government, as well as their family members. The bill amends Section 13.0021 of the Election Code to include additional categories of individuals, such as federal judges, state judges, clerks, and governmental employees, whose residence addresses must be omitted from public registration lists. It also introduces a notification procedure for judicial privacy, ensuring relevant agencies are informed about individuals whose personal information should be protected from public records. Furthermore, the bill amends Sections 552.117 and 552.1175 of the Government Code to expand the list of individuals exempt from public disclosure, including current and former county clerks and employees related to court administration.

Additionally, the bill modifies the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Transportation Code to expand protections for certain individuals, allowing for the omission of residence addresses on driver's licenses for specific judicial roles, replacing them with the address of the courthouse or office. The Department of Public Safety is mandated to review its compliance processes by November 1, 2026, and report findings to key state officials. The changes will apply only to requests for information received after the effective date of the Act, set for September 1, 2025, ensuring that prior requests are governed by existing laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 13.0021, Government Code 72.016, Government Code 521.121, Government Code 552.1175, Transportation Code 521.121 (Transportation Code 521, Government Code 552, Government Code 72, Election Code 13, Government Code 521)
Senate Committee Report: Election Code 13.0021, Government Code 72.016, Government Code 552.117, Government Code 552.1175, Transportation Code 521.121 (Transportation Code 521, Government Code 552, Government Code 72, Election Code 13, Government Code 521)
Engrossed: Election Code 13.0021, Government Code 72.016, Government Code 552.117, Government Code 552.1175, Transportation Code 521.121 (Transportation Code 521, Government Code 552, Government Code 72, Election Code 13, Government Code 521)