House Bill No. 4136 amends the Government Code to enhance the protection of personal information for certain individuals associated with institutions of higher education in Texas. Specifically, it adds members of the governing boards of higher education institutions, as well as the chancellors and chief executive officers of university systems and institutions, to the list of individuals whose home addresses, phone numbers, emergency contact information, and social security numbers are exempt from public disclosure. The bill also modifies existing provisions by removing the reference to firefighters and emergency medical services personnel from the list of protected individuals.

In addition to the new protections for higher education officials, the bill updates the language in Section 552.1175(a) to include these same individuals among those whose personal information is safeguarded. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to requests for information received by governmental bodies after that date. This legislation aims to enhance privacy and security for individuals in key educational leadership roles, reflecting a growing recognition of the need to protect personal information in the public sector.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 552.117, Government Code 61.003 (Government Code 552, Government Code 61)
House Committee Report: Government Code 552.117, Government Code 61.003 (Government Code 552, Government Code 61)