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HB 3425

Relating to the prosecution of certain criminal offenses involving the unlawful disclosure of a residence address or telephone number.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Giovanni Capriglione and 5 co-sponsors

Texas criminalizes unlawful disclosure of home addresses or phone numbers to facilitate harassment or harm, with enhanced penalties for attacks on protected public officials and law enforcement.

Effective on 9/1/25
#crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #criminalprocedure--general(i0208) #email&electroniccommunications(s0321) #protectionofpersonalinformation(i0003)
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Bill Summary · HB 3425

Legislative bill overview

HB 3425 creates criminal penalties for the unlawful disclosure of someone's residence address or telephone number with intent to facilitate harassment, stalking, or harm. The bill establishes new offense categories and graduated penalties based on the severity of the intended harm and whether the victim is a protected person (such as a public official, judge, or law enforcement officer).

Why is this important

This legislation addresses "doxxing"—a growing digital-age harassment tactic where personal information is publicly shared to enable real-world threats or violence. With increasing online harassment campaigns targeting public figures, judges, and ordinary citizens, this law provides legal recourse and deterrence that didn't previously exist in Texas statute in a comprehensive manner.

Potential points of contention

  • Free speech concerns: Critics may argue the law could chill legitimate speech, such as journalists or activists publishing information about public figures or entities of public interest
  • Definition ambiguity: Terms like "intent to facilitate" harassment may be difficult to prove and could lead to inconsistent prosecution or over-prosecution
  • Protected class disparities: Providing enhanced penalties for certain groups (public officials, law enforcement) while leaving others unprotected could raise equal protection questions

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

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