Technology (Data Privacy)

SB 816 allows phone and internet service providers to share certain customer data with government agencies during immediate life-threatening emergencies, such as when there's a genuine belief that someone faces imminent death or serious injury. The bill specifically authorizes disclosure of electronic customer data - like location or communication records - to help prevent harm, provided the provider acts in good faith. It directly affects service providers (e.g., telecom companies) and government responders, while protecting providers from lawsuits for complying with this exception. The law amends Texas criminal procedure code to create this exception, overriding general rules that typically prohibit such data sharing without a court order. This policy change focuses on enabling rapid emergency response, not on broader data privacy or security implications.

HB 4516 prohibits Texas businesses from using technology developed or supplied by entities controlled by China to collect, process, transfer, or store biometric, genetic, or medical data of Texas residents. This applies to any business handling such sensitive personal information, including health records, DNA, or biometric identifiers like fingerprints. Violating the ban is a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail) or a state jail felony for repeat offenses. The law targets technology from Chinese-controlled entities to protect Texas residents' data privacy.