House Bill No. 4136 amends the Government Code to enhance the privacy protections for certain personal information of individuals associated with institutions of higher education in Texas. Specifically, the bill 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 includes new provisions that define these roles in accordance with the Education Code, thereby expanding the scope of protected information.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing sections of the Government Code to include these new categories of individuals under the same privacy protections that apply to various public officials and law enforcement personnel. 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 legislative action aims to safeguard the personal information of key educational leaders, recognizing their roles and the potential risks associated with public exposure of their private data.

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)