🟡An Act relating to disclosure under the public information law of certain contact information of a notary public that is maintained by the secretary of state
HB 5093
🟡 HB 5093: Restores notary contact access but weakens privacy safeguards
What it says it does:
HB 5093 allows the Secretary of State to release a notary public’s address, phone number, and email so the public can contact them. Supporters describe it as restoring transparency that was lost when a 2023 law made all license-holder information confidential.
What it actually changes:
It carves notaries out of the confidentiality protections given to other licensed professionals. If a notary listed only personal contact information, those details can now be made public again. This reverses a short-lived privacy safeguard and gives the Secretary of State discretion to release private data without new oversight.
Who is pushing for it:
The American Association of Notaries supported the bill in hearings. The Secretary of State’s General Counsel registered “on” the bill, signaling agency interest. The author is Rep. Salman Bhojani with Sen. Brian Birdwell as the Senate sponsor.
Who benefits:
Trade associations and businesses that rely on notary access gain easy, low-cost contact lists. The Secretary of State’s office gains simpler open records procedures and legal cover to release data.
Who gets left out or exposed:
Independent and home-based notaries who use their home address and personal email are most affected. Their private information can now be released to anyone who files a request. They lose the confidentiality other professions still have.
Why this matters long term:
Once privacy protections are removed for one group of licensed Texans, it sets a precedent for future carveouts. The bill shifts the balance of power toward state agencies and private data users while everyday notaries lose control over their personal safety and information.
What to watch next:
Watch whether other professional groups are targeted for similar rollbacks. Also track how the Secretary of State manages public data requests and whether limits or masking options are added in future sessions.
Bottom line:
HB 5093 restores public access but at the cost of privacy and safety. It benefits organizations that rely on mass data while exposing individuals who work from home. Texans should ask why this carveout moved so easily and who truly gains from it.