The Texas 3rd District Court of Appeals in Austin ruled on January 17, 2008 that the birth dates of Texas state employees are a matter of public record.

A public records legal battle over the birth date information began two years ago when Dallas Morning News reporter Jennifer LaFleur attempted to gain access to a current copy of the Texas state employee payroll database. The Texas comptroller’s office released most of the database; but, unlike in years past, decided to exclude the birth dates of the state employees.

Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn fought to make the birth dates private due to a fear of possible identity theft of state employees personal information.

The comptroller’s office is deciding on a possible appeal to the Texas Supreme Court.

Source: rcfp.org