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Bill

HB 665

Relating to the secretary of state posting on the secretary of state's Internet website databases containing certain information about elections.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by John Bucy

Texas HB 665 mandates Secretary of State post election-related databases online for public access, increasing electoral transparency but raising data privacy and implementation questions.

Considered in Calendars
#citygovernment--general(i0060) #countygovernment--general(i0096) #elections--general(i0310) #elections--politicalparties(i0275) #elections--schooldistrict(i0283) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311) #internet(s0130) #politicalsubdivisions(i0588) #secretaryofstate(v0042)
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Bill Summary · HB 665

Legislative bill overview

HB 665 requires the Texas Secretary of State to post certain election-related databases and information on its public website. The bill mandates transparency by making specific election data electronically accessible to the public through the Secretary of State's internet portal, though the exact categories of data are not detailed in the bill description provided.

Why is this important

Election transparency affects public trust in electoral processes and enables citizens, researchers, and poll watchers to access official election information directly. Posting databases online reduces barriers to information access and allows for broader scrutiny of election administration and results.

Potential points of contention

  • Data privacy concerns: Posting certain election databases publicly could potentially expose personal information about election workers, voters, or sensitive administrative details that states typically keep confidential for security reasons
  • Implementation costs: Creating and maintaining publicly accessible databases requires IT infrastructure, staff resources, and ongoing updates that have fiscal implications for the Secretary of State's office
  • Data scope ambiguity: The bill's language about "certain information" leaves undefined which specific databases must be posted, potentially creating disputes over what constitutes required disclosures versus protected information

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

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