Texas Introduces Ombuds Shield Law

IOA has announced its support of an ombuds shield law introduced in the Texas State House. Introduced by Representative Patrick Rose, HB 3578 provides a privilege for organizational ombuds in all sectors. (A competing Senate proposal, SB 160, excludes public sector ombuds programs and is not endorsed by IOA.) It is expected that HB 3578 will be assigned to a committee within the next couple of days and will be calendared for hearing within the next two to three weeks. Although a small minority of the bills introduced in Texas are ever passed, this nonetheless may be a significant development for the profession. (Texas Legislature Online: HB 3578; SB 160.)