The Texas House State Affairs Committee has held a hearing on House Bill 2309 by Chairman Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi. The measure, part of the Texas Sunshine Coalition agenda, would ensure public access to dates of birth in criminal justice records and candidates’ applications to run for public office.
Laura Prather, co-chair of the FOIFT’s legislative committee, testified in support of the bill on Wednesday, March 22. She noted that matching a birthdate when someone has a common name prevents mistaken identification and helps with accuracy in news reporting, background checks conducted by businesses and the vetting of candidates for public office.
Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, has filed the DOB legislation in the Senate. It is Senate Bill 46.
Additional transparency bills are expected to be heard soon in House and Senate committees.