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Bill

HB 1798

Relating to the confidentiality of certain home address information in property tax appraisal records.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Sam Harless

Texas bill HB 1798 would restrict public access to residential home addresses in property tax appraisal records to enhance homeowner privacy and safety.

Referred to Delivery of Government Efficiency
#criminalprocedure--defensecounsel(i0207) #openrecords(i0548) #protectionofpersonalinformation(i0003) #taxation--property-appraisals&appraisaldistricts(i0792)
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Bill Summary · HB 1798

Legislative bill overview

HB 1798 would restrict public access to home address information contained in property tax appraisal records maintained by county appraisal districts in Texas. The bill aims to protect residential addresses from being easily accessible through these public records while maintaining other property tax information availability.

Why is this important

Property tax appraisal records are traditionally public documents, but easy access to residential addresses creates privacy and safety concerns for homeowners, particularly victims of domestic violence, stalking, or those in witness protection. This reflects a growing tension between government transparency and individual safety in the digital age, where information can be compiled and misused more easily than in the past.

Potential points of contention

  • Public records access vs. privacy balance: Opponents may argue that property tax records are foundational to government transparency and that restricting address information undermines accountability and property ownership verification
  • Implementation complexity: Questions about which addresses qualify for protection (all residential? only those with requests?), how appraisal districts will manage redaction, and whether this creates administrative burden
  • Equity concerns: Determining who gets address protection and under what circumstances could lead to inconsistent application; some may argue protections should be broader or that this primarily benefits those with resources to request protection

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

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