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Bill

HB 1369

Relating to the confidentiality of residential eviction case information.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Venton Jones

Texas bill restricts public access to residential eviction case records to protect tenant privacy and reduce housing discrimination consequences.

Referred to Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
#courts--civilprocedure(i0135) #propertyinterests--landlord&tenant(i0610) #protectionofpersonalinformation(i0003) #supremecourt(v0311)
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Bill Summary · HB 1369

Legislative bill overview

HB 1369 would establish confidentiality protections for residential eviction case information in Texas. The bill restricts public access to records and proceedings related to eviction cases, making certain details of landlord-tenant disputes private rather than public record.

Why is this important

Eviction records currently become part of the public record, affecting tenants' ability to secure future housing since landlords routinely screen applicants using these records. Confidentiality protections could reduce collateral consequences for tenants facing financial hardship, though they would simultaneously reduce transparency in the rental housing market and landlords' access to tenant history information.

Potential points of contention

  • Tenant privacy vs. landlord information: Landlords argue they need access to eviction histories for risk assessment; tenant advocates argue past evictions shouldn't permanently exclude people from housing
  • Public transparency concerns: Sealing eviction records reduces public oversight of predatory eviction practices and judicial proceedings involving vulnerable populations
  • Implementation scope: Disagreement likely over what information gets sealed (full case details, outcomes only, filings only) and whether sealed records can be accessed in specific circumstances

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

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