WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 948

Relating to the confidentiality of residential eviction case information.

89th Legislature (2025)

SB 948 restricts public access to residential eviction case records in Texas to shield tenants from housing discrimination while balancing landlord screening needs and market transparency.

Referred to Business & Commerce
#civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #courts--civilprocedure(i0135) #propertyinterests--landlord&tenant(i0610) #protectionofpersonalinformation(i0003)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 948

Legislative bill overview

SB 948 would establish confidentiality protections for residential eviction case information in Texas. The bill restricts public access to certain documents and records related to eviction proceedings involving residential properties, creating privacy safeguards for tenants and landlords involved in these cases.

Why is this important

Eviction records currently available to the public can significantly impact tenants' ability to secure future housing, as landlords routinely check eviction histories when screening applicants. This bill addresses concerns about how eviction records create lasting barriers to housing access, particularly for vulnerable populations, while balancing transparency interests and landlord protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Tenant privacy vs. landlord due diligence: Restricting eviction record access may limit landlords' ability to screen tenants for payment history and reliability, potentially affecting rental market practices and pricing
  • Scope of confidentiality: Disagreement over which case information should be sealed (judgments, filings, court orders) and whether sealed records should be accessible to future landlords under specific circumstances
  • Public accountability concerns: Questions about whether confidentiality could enable repeat evictions or hide problematic practices by landlords or reduce transparency in housing markets

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

Sign in to ask a question.