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Bill

HB 5281

Relating to a prohibition on the dissemination of certain personal identifying information by a state agency to the federal government.

89th Legislature (2025)

Texas bill would ban state agencies from sharing personal identifying information with federal government without explicit authorization.

Referred to State Affairs
#protectionofpersonalinformation(i0003) #stateagencies #boards&commissions(i0749)
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Bill Summary · HB 5281

Legislative bill overview

HB 5281 would prohibit Texas state agencies from sharing certain personal identifying information with federal government agencies without explicit authorization. The bill represents an attempt to limit information sharing between state and federal authorities, potentially creating barriers to data transfers that currently occur through various federal-state cooperation mechanisms.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects how Texas state agencies coordinate with federal entities on matters ranging from law enforcement to social services to immigration enforcement. The restrictions could impact federal programs that rely on state data, such as background checks, benefit fraud detection, and homeland security operations, while potentially affecting Texas's ability to access federal resources or participate in federal programs that depend on data reciprocity.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal program compliance: Many federal grant programs and cooperative agreements require states to share data; this bill could jeopardize Texas's participation in or funding for such programs
  • Law enforcement coordination: Restrictions on information sharing could complicate federal-state criminal investigations, terrorism prevention, and cross-border law enforcement operations
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "certain personal identifying information" is vague and could be interpreted broadly or narrowly, creating implementation uncertainty and potential legal challenges
  • Political motivation: The bill may reflect tensions over federal immigration enforcement or other federal priorities rather than genuine privacy concerns, raising questions about selective compliance

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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