Subpoenaed records and information handled under this section generally remain confidential, and the banking commissioner may issue orders to protect that confidentiality.
Sec. 35.205. CONFIDENTIALITY OF SUBPOENAED RECORDS. (a) A book, account, record, paper, correspondence, or other document subpoenaed and produced under Section 35.203 that is otherwise made privileged or confidential by law remains privileged or confidential unless admitted into evidence at an administrative hearing or in a court. The banking commissioner may issue an order protecting the confidentiality or privilege of the document and restricting its use or distribution by any person or in any proceeding, other than a proceeding before the banking commissioner. (b) Subject to Subchapter D, Chapter 31, and confidentiality provisions of other law administered by the banking commissioner, information or material acquired under Section 35.203 under a subpoena is not a public record for the period the banking commissioner considers reasonably necessary to complete the investigation, to protect the person being investigated from unwarranted injury, or to serve the public interest. The information or material is not subject to a subpoena, except a grand jury subpoena, until released for public inspection by the banking commissioner or until, after notice and a hearing, a district court determines that the public interest and any investigation by the banking commissioner would not be jeopardized by obeying the subpoena. The district court order may not apply to: (1) a record or communication received from another law enforcement or regulatory agency except on compliance with the confidentiality laws governing the records of the other agency; or (2) an internal note, memorandum, report, or communication made in connection with a matter that the banking commissioner has the authority to consider or investigate, except on good cause and in compliance with applicable confidentiality laws. Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.