HB 132

"🔴 HB 132 quietly expands government secrecy in the name of foreign threats—and strips Texans of the right to know how public agencies operate

At first glance, HB 132 looks like a security measure. It says it’s about preventing “hostile acts by foreign adversaries” and protecting emergency responders, infrastructure, and communication systems.

But once you read the fine print, the bill does a lot more than that.

Here’s what it actually changes:

Any state or local agency—schools, counties, city departments, utilities—can now withhold records from the public just by claiming they relate to a possible foreign threat. There’s no outside review, no required definitions, and no way to challenge it unless you take them to court.

This doesn’t just block future records. The language is broad enough that previously public information could now be locked away—permanently.

There’s no timeline. No oversight. No data reporting. No accountability.

And here’s who stands to benefit:

✅ Government vendors and security contractors who want their methods, failures, and contracts kept out of public view
✅ Local agencies who fear criticism over planning gaps or infrastructure neglect
✅ Anyone in power who wants a quiet way to deny record requests without having to explain themselves

Who loses?

❌ Journalists trying to uncover misuse of public funds
❌ Citizens concerned about government transparency
❌ Families impacted by agency failures who now can’t see the documents that explain what went wrong

This bill doesn’t fix a broken system. It creates a shield—and hands it to every agency in the state.

No reporting is required to show how this power is used. There’s no judicial check. And “hostile act by a foreign adversary” is left completely undefined. That means it can be interpreted—and expanded—however agencies want.

The bigger picture?

HB 132 normalizes permanent secrecy. It gives unelected bureaucrats and contractors a legal way to say, “We don’t owe the public an answer”—and walk away.

And if this tool works? Expect it to show up again—tied to cyber policies, school security, utility systems, and health data. Once you grant discretion without oversight, it never stays in one lane.

This isn’t national defense. It’s local silence—wrapped in the language of threat prevention.

Bottom line:
HB 132 lets any agency lock the door behind them and call it safety.

But in a democracy, transparency is safety. And when we trade it away, we rarely get it back.

Quick ask, y’all—likes help the algorithm, but shares are what get the truth out.

If this bill affects you, your kids, your patients, your neighbors—please share it.

Too many Texans don’t know what’s being signed into law. And if we don’t share it, they won’t hear it. These bills move quietly. The consequences don’t.

It’s not about going viral. It’s about making sure the people who need to know—do know.

So if this post made you pause, think, or get fired up… don’t just like it. Send it. Share it. Say something.

We don’t get transparency unless we demand it together."