H.B. No. 969 amends the Government Code to clarify the applicability of the open meetings law and public information law to the Texas Energy Reliability Council and independent organizations managing power regions. Specifically, it modifies Sections 418.309(c) and (d) to state that the council's meetings and information are subject to Chapters 551 and 552 of the Government Code. Additionally, it expands the definition of "governmental body" in Section 551.001(3) to include independent organizations established under Section 39.151 of the Utilities Code, which manage power regions. This change is also reflected in Section 552.003(1), ensuring that these organizations are recognized as governmental bodies for the purposes of public information laws.

The bill stipulates that the changes will only apply to meetings and public information requests occurring on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Meetings or requests made before this date will continue to be governed by the previous laws in effect. This legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of Texas's energy resources by ensuring that relevant organizations adhere to established public meeting and information standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 418.309, Government Code 551.001, Government Code 39.151 (Government Code 418, Government Code 551, Government Code 39)