Texas § FA.162.421 - PROHIBITED ACTS
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § FA.162.421 — PROHIBITED ACTS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ FA.162.421. PROHIBITED ACTS
PROHIBITED ACTS; CRIMINAL PENALTIES. (a) This subchapter does not prevent the Department of State Health Services from making known to the public, by appropriate means, the existence of voluntary adoption registries. (b) Information received by or in connection with the operation of a registry may not be stored in a data bank used for any purpose other than operation of the registry. (c) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly or recklessly discloses information from a registry application, registration, record, or other information submitted to, obtained by, or otherwise acquired by a registry in violation of this subchapter. This subsection may not be construed to penalize the disclosure of information from adoption agency records. An offense under this subsection is a felony of the second degree. (d) A person commits an offense if the person with criminal negligence causes or permits the disclosure of information from a registry application, registration, record, or other information submitted to, obtained by, or otherwise acquired by a registry in violation of this subchapter. This subsection may not be construed to penalize the disclosure of information from adoption agency records. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor. (e) A person commits an offense if the person impersonates an adoptee, birth parent, or biological sibling with the intent to secure confidential information from a registry established under this subchapter. An offense under this subsection is a felony of the second degree. (f) A person commits an offense if the person impersonates an administrator, agent, or employee of a registry with the intent to secure confidential information from a registry established under this subchapter. An offense under this subsection is a felony of the second degree. (g) A person commits an offense if the person, with intent to deceive and with knowledge of the statement's meaning, makes a false statement under oath in connection with the operation of a registry. An offense under this subsection is a felony of the third degree. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 968, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 27, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by: Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219 ), Sec. 1.117, eff. April 2, 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § FA.162.421
What does The Texas Constitution § FA.162.421 cover?
Section FA.162.421 ("PROHIBITED ACTS") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § FA.162.421?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § FA.162.421" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § FA.162.421 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.