All Roll Calls
Yes: 306 • No: 1
TexasHB 449089th Legislature Regular SessionHouse
Relating to an exemption from required disclosure of information related to the next of kin of deceased persons.
Sponsored By: Paul Bettencourt (Republican), John T. Smithee
Signed by Governor
Protection of Personal InformationSUBPOENAS
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More privacy for deceased people's relatives
Texas government offices no longer have to release information about a deceased person's next of kin under public records law. They must still release it when a subpoena or another law requires disclosure. The exemption covers requests received on or after the law's effective date; earlier requests follow prior law. The law takes effect immediately with a two-thirds vote of all elected members in each legislative chamber. Otherwise, its effective date is September 1, 2025.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Paul Bettencourt
Republican • Senate
John T. Smithee
House
Cosponsors
Lulu Flores
House
Penny Morales Shaw
House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/22/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/22/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 5/1/2025
Record vote
Yes: 143 • No: 1
House vote • 4/30/2025
Record vote
Yes: 140 • No: 0
House vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Public Health
Yes: 12 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Business & Commerce
Yes: 11 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective immediately
6/20/2025HouseSigned by the Governor
6/20/2025HouseSent to the Governor
5/26/2025HouseSigned in the Senate
5/25/2025SenateSigned in the House
5/24/2025HouseReported enrolled
5/23/2025HouseSenate passage reported
5/22/2025HouseRecord vote
5/22/2025SenatePassed
5/22/2025SenateRead 3rd time
5/22/2025SenateRecord vote
5/22/2025SenateThree day rule suspended
5/22/2025SenateVote recorded in Journal
5/22/2025SenateRead 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading
5/22/2025SenateRules suspended-Regular order of business
5/22/2025SenatePlaced on intent calendar
5/22/2025SenateCommittee report printed and distributed
5/20/2025SenateRecommended for local & uncontested calendar
5/20/2025SenateReported favorably w/o amendments
5/20/2025SenateVote taken in committee
5/20/2025SenateConsidered in public hearing
5/20/2025SenateLeft pending in committee
5/15/2025SenateTestimony taken in committee
5/15/2025SenateConsidered in public hearing
5/15/2025SenateScheduled for public hearing on . . .
5/15/2025Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
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