H.B. No. 1435 aims to improve the efficiency of public information requests in Texas by establishing an expedited response procedure for governmental bodies. The bill amends the Government Code, specifically Section 552.2615, to clarify that deadlines for expedited responses do not conflict with existing deadlines under Subchapters G or K. It also specifies that a public information request is considered received upon the submission of a deposit or bond. The bill outlines the requirements for governmental bodies, including the necessity to provide a list of exceptions for withheld information and a notice form for requestors. Additionally, it introduces Subchapter K, detailing the expedited response process, training requirements for public information officers, and an appeal process for requestors.

Moreover, the bill addresses the revocation of training certificates for individuals working with governmental bodies, mandating that notices of revocation specify a duration not exceeding six months and inform individuals of the need to repeat training for a new certificate. It also requires the attorney general to maintain and publish a list of individuals with active training certificates and those whose authorization to respond to requests has been revoked. Data collection on the implementation of this subchapter is mandated, with a deadline for availability set for December 31, 2027. The provisions of the bill will apply to requests for information received on or after the effective date of the Act, which is September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 552.2615, Government Code 552.263, Government Code 552.302, Government Code 552.321, Government Code 552.352, Government Code 6.03, Chapter , Government Code 552.324 (Chapter , Government Code 552, Government Code 6, Government Code 552)