An Act prohibiting public employers from disclosing certain public employee personal information; making disclosure of certain public employee personal information an unfair labor practice; and creating an exception to the Public Records Act for certain public employee personal information.

34th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carolyn Hall

HB 146 protects public employees' personal information by prohibiting its disclosure, designating violations as unfair labor practices, and enhancing privacy rights.

(H) Minutes (HSTA)

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Summary of HB 146

Bill Number: HB 146
Title: An Act prohibiting public employers from disclosing certain public employee personal information; making disclosure of certain public employee personal information an unfair labor practice; and creating an exception to the Public Records Act for certain public employee personal information.
Status: (H) Bill Hearing Canceled - Delayed to 4:15 pm
Introduced: March 21, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Collective Bargaining, Disclosure, Employment, Labor Relations, Labor Unions, Public Employees, Public Records, Trade Practices

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of HB 146 is to enhance the privacy protections of public employees by restricting the disclosure of their personal information by public employers. The bill seeks to address concerns regarding the potential misuse of personal data and to safeguard the rights of public employees in the context of labor relations.

Key Provisions

Prohibition on Disclosure: The bill prohibits public employers from disclosing specific personal information of public employees. This includes, but is not limited to, home addresses, phone numbers, and other sensitive data that could compromise employee privacy.

Unfair Labor Practice: The legislation designates the unauthorized disclosure of protected personal information as an unfair labor practice. This means that public employers could face legal consequences if they violate this provision.

Exception to the Public Records Act: HB 146 creates a specific exception within the Public Records Act, ensuring that the personal information of public employees is not subject to public disclosure under existing public records laws.

Impact

Who Would Be Affected?

Public Employees: The bill directly benefits public employees by providing them with greater control over their personal information and enhancing their privacy rights.

Public Employers: Public employers will need to adjust their policies and practices to comply with the new restrictions on information disclosure. This may involve training staff and implementing new protocols for handling employee data.

Labor Unions: Labor unions may find this bill advantageous as it strengthens the position of employees regarding their personal information, potentially leading to improved labor relations.

Procedural Aspects

Hearing Status: The bill's hearing has been canceled and rescheduled to 4:15 pm, indicating ongoing legislative discussions and potential adjustments to the bill's provisions.

Conclusion

HB 146 represents a significant step towards protecting the personal information of public employees. By prohibiting unauthorized disclosures and establishing penalties for violations, the bill aims to foster a more secure and respectful work environment for public sector workers. As the legislative process continues, stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments related to this bill.