SB 1299 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to the prohibited release by a public agency of personal affiliation information regarding the members, supporters, or volunteers of or donors to certain nonprofit organizations; creating a criminal offense.

SB 1299 prohibits public agencies (like state or local government offices) from requiring or sharing personal lists identifying members, supporters, volunteers, or donors of certain nonprofits. It bans agencies from releasing "personal affiliation information" - defined as any list that directly or indirectly identifies such individuals - except in limited cases like voluntary disclosures or court orders. Violating this law could result in criminal penalties. The bill specifically covers nonprofits exempt under IRS 501(c) or organized under Texas law, affecting how government entities handle sensitive supporter data.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 14, 2025 Last action May 7, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Engrossed · 11 edits · Apr 24, 2025
MAJOR
The bill was reformatted from an introduced draft to an engrossed version, with substantive additions to the exceptions section that clarify when personal affiliation information may be legally disclosed. The most significant change is the addition of new exceptions for information obtained by national securities associations, criminal justice security checks, gubernatorial appointment applications, and certain nonprofit-affiliated donations. These changes expand the circumstances under which public agencies may legally release protected affiliation data.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded by adding eleven new exceptions to the general prohibition on releasing personal affiliation information, covering securities regulation, criminal justice security purposes, gubernatorial appointments, and specific donation scenarios.
EXCEPTIONS

Added exception for personal affiliation information obtained by national securities associations registered under federal law

Added exception for information requested by Texas Department of Criminal Justice for security purposes related to inmate programs

Added exception for information submitted with gubernatorial appointment applications under specific conditions

Added exception for donations to nonprofit organizations affiliated with public agencies, with anonymity request provisions

Added new exception for information disclosing nonprofit governing board members and officers in state filings

Modified exception for attorney general investigations to clarify compliance requirements

TIMELINE

Added effective date of September 1, 2025 for the new chapter

ENFORCEMENT

Added civil action provisions allowing victims to seek injunctive relief and damages of at least $2,500 per violation

Added criminal penalty provision making knowing violations a Class B misdemeanor

Added immunity waiver provision allowing suits against public agencies for violations

TECHNICAL

Changed bill header from draft format to official engrossed version format with bill number and sponsor information

Floor votes · Senate Apr 24, 2025

How they voted

282
Passed
Total votes 30
Apr 24, 2025
D Democratic10
8 Yea 2 Nay
80% Yea
R Republican20
20 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
32
Key actions
9
Committee
10
May 7, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report sent to Calendars
lower
May 6, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report distributed
lower
Apr 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)
lower
Apr 28, 2025
Committee
Referred to State Affairs
lower
Apr 28, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
Apr 25, 2025
Introduced
Received from the Senate
lower
Apr 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
Apr 9, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report printed and distributed
upper
Apr 9, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendments
upper
Apr 8, 2025
Upper · Passed
Vote taken in committee
upper
Apr 1, 2025
Upper · Passed
Left pending in committee
upper
Apr 1, 2025
Upper · Passed
Testimony taken in committee
upper
Feb 28, 2025
Committee
Referred to Business & Commerce
upper
Feb 28, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors