Bill > SB723

This bill modifies the Texas Health and Safety Code to establish new confidentiality rules for Tier Two forms, which are documents that list hazardous chemicals at specific locations. Currently, these forms are generally subject to public disclosure under government transparency laws. The bill changes this by making Tier Two forms in possession of political subdivisions (like cities or counties) confidential and not subject to public disclosure, with two specific exceptions: first, if the form or information has already been made public by the state commission, and second, if the released information only identifies a class of dangerous goods using the hazard classification system from the 2024 U.S. Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook. These changes apply to Sections 505.006, 506.006, and 507.006 of the Health and Safety Code, creating consistent confidentiality protections across different chapters. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, likely providing time for political subdivisions and relevant agencies to prepare for the new disclosure restrictions.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB723