Until recently, Houston residents wishing to provide public comments at Houston City Council meetings were required to disclose their home address and phone number that could be made available to the general public. Although the rule was technically part of the city's code, it had been selectively unenforced. However, after the City Council’s website was updated this summer to include the requirement, concerns over potential harassment grew among community organizers.

In response to these concerns, Councilmember Edward Pollard, representing District J, proposed an ordinance amendment through Proposition A to change the policy. The amendment, spearheaded by Pollard’s office, ensures that personal information provided by speakers—including street and mailing addresses and phone numbers—will now be used exclusively for internal, administrative purposes. This information will remain confidential, shared only with city council, the city secretary’s office, and relevant city departments, except in cases where disclosure is required by law.

Pollard thanked his supporters for helping advance the measure, including co-signers Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum of District K, Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas of District F, and Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz of District D.

A spokesperson for Mayor John Whitmire noted that, while the city secretary's office previously did not consistently enforce the public disclosure requirement, the office had sought to align with existing policies. Now, with the amendment’s passage, the council has formally established clearer protections for public speakers with security concerns.

The City Council invites residents to continue sharing their perspectives during weekly public comment sessions, held every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Time slots can be reserved by calling (832) 393-1100 or emailing speakers@houstontx.gov by 3 p.m. on Mondays.