H.B. No. 5129, known as the Right to Privacy Act, aims to enhance the security of personal identifying information held by state agencies in Texas. The bill amends Chapter 2062 of the Government Code to include provisions on the restrictions regarding the use and dissemination of such information. Notably, it expands the definition of "personal identifying information" to encompass a person's home address, phone numbers, email address, driver's license number, emergency contact information, and details about family members. Additionally, it introduces a new definition for "state agency" and mandates that state agencies require written consent before disseminating personal identifying information related to individuals seeking occupational licenses.

The bill also stipulates that state agencies must retain the written consent obtained from individuals and outlines exceptions where dissemination can occur without consent, such as when required by federal law or for law enforcement purposes. The provisions of this act will apply only to information disseminated or retained by state agencies on or after its effective date. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 2062.001, Chapter , Government Code 61.003 (Chapter , Government Code 61, Government Code 2062)
House Committee Report: Government Code 2062.001, Chapter , Government Code 61.003 (Chapter , Government Code 61, Government Code 2062)
Engrossed: Government Code 2062.001, Chapter , Government Code 61.003 (Chapter , Government Code 61, Government Code 2062)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 2062.001, Chapter , Government Code 61.003 (Chapter , Government Code 61, Government Code 2062)
Enrolled: Government Code 2062.001, Chapter , Government Code 61.003 (Chapter , Government Code 61, Government Code 2062)