Bill > HB793

This bill modifies Texas Family Code provisions to strengthen protections for personal information of individuals seeking or protected by protective orders. The bill changes existing law from allowing courts to optionally protect confidential information to requiring courts to do so when requested. Specifically, the bill mandates that courts shall protect an applicant's mailing address and county of residence by creating a confidential court record, striking such information from public records, and prohibiting its release to the respondent. Additionally, the bill requires courts to inform persons at protective order hearings about their right to exclude personal contact information (such as home address, telephone number, work address, or school/child-care location) from the order. When a person protected by an order requests address or telephone number confidentiality, the court must maintain a confidential record and exclude that information from notifications. The bill applies to protective order applications and address change notifications filed on or after September 1, 2025, and aims to enhance safety and privacy for individuals seeking protection through the legal system.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB793