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Bill

HB 4490

Relating to an exemption from required disclosure of information related to the next of kin of deceased persons.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Paul Bettencourt and 2 co-sponsors

Texas exempts government agencies from disclosing deceased persons' next-of-kin contact information in public records requests, effective immediately upon gubernatorial signature.

Effective immediately
#protectionofpersonalinformation(i0003) #subpoenas(s8341)
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Bill Summary · HB 4490

Legislative bill overview

HB 4490 creates a legal exemption allowing certain government agencies and entities to withhold the names and contact information of deceased persons' next of kin from public disclosure requests. This exemption applies to information that would normally be subject to Texas public records laws, protecting family privacy during sensitive periods following a death.

Why is this important

The bill directly affects how Texas handles one of the most vulnerable pieces of personal information—family contact details of the recently deceased. Without this exemption, families could be identified and contacted by media, scammers, or other actors immediately after losing a loved one. The immediate effective date (June 20, 2025) indicates this was treated as an urgent privacy protection.

Potential points of contention

  • Transparency vs. Privacy Balance: Critics may argue that blanket exemptions for next-of-kin information reduce government transparency and accountability, particularly in cases involving deaths in state custody or institutional settings
  • Scope Ambiguity: The bill's language regarding which entities qualify for the exemption and how long the protection lasts could create inconsistent application across Texas agencies
  • Access Limitations: Journalists, researchers, and advocates may face obstacles obtaining information needed to investigate patterns of deaths or systemic issues in government facilities

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

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