WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1495

Relating to the prohibited release of personal information collected during the jury selection process.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Ryan Guillen and 6 co-sponsors

HB 1495 restricts public and private access to personal information disclosed by jurors during jury selection to protect privacy and encourage candid voir dire responses.

Referred to Jurisprudence
#communications&press(i0073) #courts--juries(i0145) #protectionofpersonalinformation(i0003)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1495

Legislative bill overview

HB 1495 prohibits the release of personal information collected during jury selection (voir dire) processes in Texas courts. The bill restricts access to juror data gathered during questioning and limits who can obtain this sensitive information, with exceptions for legitimate legal purposes.

Why is this important

Jurors increasingly express privacy concerns about personal information disclosed during jury selection, which can include health conditions, financial situations, family details, and political views. Protecting this data helps encourage honest responses during voir dire while safeguarding jurors from potential harassment, identity theft, or discrimination based on disclosed information.

Potential points of contention

  • Transparency vs. Privacy: Defendants and their attorneys may argue they need access to juror information for appeals or impeachment purposes, creating tension between juror privacy rights and legal defense needs
  • Definition of "personal information": The bill's scope may be unclear regarding what specifically qualifies as protected data versus publicly available court records
  • Implementation challenges: Courts and legal professionals may face practical difficulties determining when information can be released for legitimate legal proceedings versus improper purposes

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

Sign in to ask a question.