ALERT: Texas Legislature Introduces Ombuds Shield Law

On December 27, 2006, Texas State Senator Jeff Wentworth introduced a bill, "relating to the confidentiality of certain communications involving an ombudsman program established by an employer as an alternative dispute resolution service." (Tex. Legis. Online History.) The groundbreaking legislation would provide a privilege only for communications between employees and private sector organizational ombuds. (Text of SB 160.) If passed, the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code would be amended September 1, 2007. Draw your own conclusions about what impact this law could have on public sector ombuds or ombuds that serve students, customers and other non-employees.