H.B. No. 3532

AN ACT relating to access to certain confidential information provided in an application for an exemption from ad valorem taxation. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Sections 11.48(a) and (b), Tax Code, are amended to read as follows: (a) A driver’s license number, personal identification certificate number, or social security account number provided in an application for an exemption filed with a chief appraiser is confidential and not open to public inspection. The information may not be disclosed to anyone other than an employee or agent of the appraisal district [office] who appraises property or performs appraisal services for the appraisal district, except as authorized by Subsection (b). (b) Information made confidential by this section may be disclosed: (1) in a judicial or administrative proceeding pursuant to a lawful subpoena; (2) to the person who filed the application or to the person’s representative authorized in writing to receive the information; (3) to the comptroller and the comptroller’s employees authorized by the comptroller in writing to receive the information or to an assessor or a chief appraiser if requested in writing; (4) in a judicial or administrative proceeding relating to property taxation to which the person who filed the application is a party; or (5) if and to the extent the information is required to be included in a public document or record that the appraisal district [office] is required by law to prepare or maintain. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.