The bill amends the Government Code to regulate the imposition of charges by governmental bodies for providing copies of public information. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that prohibits governmental bodies from charging for copies of reports required under Subchapter C or D of Chapter 254 of the Election Code, unless all such reports from the past three years are publicly accessible on the governmental body's website. Additionally, the bill allows the attorney general to cancel or reduce any charges imposed by a governmental body if it is determined that the body has not maintained the requested information according to standard recordkeeping practices or has failed to comply with the relevant chapter regarding the public information request.

These changes aim to enhance transparency and accessibility of public information while ensuring that governmental bodies adhere to proper recordkeeping standards. The provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to requests for public information received on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 552.261, Government Code 552.269 (Government Code 552)
House Committee Report: Government Code 552.261, Government Code 552.269 (Government Code 552)