House Bill No. 1678 amends various sections of the Texas Government Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to clarify the collection and disclosure of public information, particularly regarding recordings from body-worn cameras. The bill introduces a new article, Article 2B.01015, which defines "recording" to include audio, video, and audiovisual recordings made by body-worn cameras. Additionally, it modifies Section 552.101 to specify that certain confidential information exceptions do not include attorney-client privilege, work product privilege, or other specified discovery privileges.

The bill also revises Section 552.108 to ensure that basic information about arrests must be released promptly, regardless of other provisions that may allow withholding information. It further amends Section 552.302 to establish that if a governmental body fails to request an attorney general decision on a public information request, the information is presumed public unless there is a compelling reason to withhold it. The bill repeals Section 552.231 and makes changes effective for requests received on or after September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 552.101, Government Code 552.108, Government Code 552.302, Local Government Code 118.011, Government Code 552.231 (Government Code 552, Local Government Code 118)