Texas Government Code 552.132 – Confidentiality of Crime Victim or Claimant Information
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(a) Except as provided by Subsection (d), in this section, “crime victim or claimant” means a victim or claimant under Chapter 56B, Code of Criminal Procedure, who has filed an application for compensation under that chapter.
(b) The following information held by the crime victim’s compensation division of the attorney general’s office is confidential:
(1) the name, social security number, address, or telephone number of a crime victim or claimant; or
(2) any other information the disclosure of which would identify or tend to identify the crime victim or claimant.
Terms Used In Texas Government Code 552.132
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- in writing: includes any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by writing, printing, or other means. See Texas Government Code 312.011
- Signed: includes any symbol executed or adopted by a person with present intention to authenticate a writing. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) If the crime victim or claimant is awarded compensation under Article 56B.103 or 56B.104, Code of Criminal Procedure, as of the date of the award of compensation, the name of the crime victim or claimant and the amount of compensation awarded to that crime victim or claimant are public information and are not excepted from the requirements of § 552.021.
(d) An employee of a governmental body who is also a victim under Chapter 56B, Code of Criminal Procedure, regardless of whether the employee has filed an application for compensation under that chapter, may elect whether to allow public access to information held by the attorney general’s office or other governmental body that would identify or tend to identify the victim, including a photograph or other visual representation of the victim. An election under this subsection must be made in writing on a form developed by the governmental body, be signed by the employee, and be filed with the governmental body before the third anniversary of the latest to occur of one of the following:
(1) the date the crime was committed;
(2) the date employment begins; or
(3) the date the governmental body develops the form and provides it to employees.
(e) If the employee fails to make an election under Subsection (d), the identifying information is excepted from disclosure until the third anniversary of the date the crime was committed. In case of disability, impairment, or other incapacity of the employee, the election may be made by the guardian of the employee or former employee.