Bill > HB486

This bill establishes new restrictions on the publication of criminal record information and mug shots in Texas, with the aim of protecting individuals' privacy before conviction. For businesses and law enforcement agencies, the bill prohibits publishing a person's mug shot (a photograph taken during arrest or booking) unless specific conditions are met. These conditions include: the individual has been convicted of the offense related to the arrest, the person is a fugitive or poses an imminent threat to public safety, or a judge has ordered the mug shot's release for good cause. The bill defines "publish" using existing definitions in the Business & Commerce Code and clarifies that mug shots are not confidential and remain subject to public disclosure rules. The restrictions apply to publications occurring on or after the effective date (September 1, 2025), regardless of when the original arrest took place, and cover both initial and subsequent publications of criminal record information. This legislation aims to prevent potential harm from premature or unnecessary publication of arrest-related information that could negatively impact an individual's reputation before legal proceedings are concluded.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB486