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HB 1571

Relating to access to, disclosure of, and notification of protective order registry information, judicial sanctions regarding improper disclosure of or misleading information, and a study on the registry.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Jo Jones

HB 1571 establishes new access and disclosure rules for Texas protective order registries, penalizes improper disclosure, and requires a regulatory study on registry operations.

Placed on General State Calendar
#anthony'slaw(pn0aj) #courts--general(i0160) #courts--prosecutingattorneys(i0165) #family--familyviolence(i0353) #lawyers(i0515) #peaceofficers(s0007) #protectiveorders(s0495)
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Bill Summary · HB 1571

Legislative bill overview

HB 1571 modifies Texas law governing access to and disclosure of protective order registry information, establishing new rules for who can access this data and how it can be shared. The bill also creates judicial sanctions for improper disclosure or providing misleading information about protective orders, and mandates a study on the registry's operations and effectiveness.

Why is this important

Protective order registries are critical databases that help law enforcement and domestic violence victims access safety information. Changes to access rules and disclosure policies directly affect how quickly first responders can identify threats, how victims' privacy is protected, and how offenders are tracked across jurisdictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. access balance: Expanding access to protective order information could improve safety but may expose sensitive details about victims to broader audiences, creating privacy and re-victimization concerns
  • Judicial sanctions definition: Unclear standards for what constitutes "improper disclosure" or "misleading information" could create inconsistent enforcement or chill appropriate information sharing by law enforcement
  • Registry study scope: The mandated study's findings could recommend significant operational changes, making implementation costs and resource allocation uncertain for courts and law enforcement agencies

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

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