The bill amends various sections of the Government Code to enhance the confidentiality of information related to the prevention, detection, response to, or investigation of hostile acts by foreign adversaries of the United States, in addition to existing protections against acts of terrorism and related criminal activities. Specifically, it introduces new language to define that information collected by governmental entities for these purposes is confidential if it pertains to hostile acts by foreign adversaries. This includes information related to emergency response staffing, tactical plans, risk assessments, encryption codes, and vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that certain documents and information in the possession of governmental entities, such as those related to security systems and reports to U.S. agencies, are confidential if they involve acts of terrorism or hostile acts by foreign adversaries. The amendments aim to strengthen the security framework by ensuring that sensitive information is adequately protected from disclosure, thereby enhancing the state's ability to respond to potential threats. The bill will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 418.176, Government Code 418.177, Government Code 418.179, Government Code 418.180, Government Code 418.181, Government Code 418.182 (Government Code 418)