The bill amends the Texas Government Code to enhance the public information law by introducing new requirements for governmental bodies regarding the handling of information requests. Specifically, it adds provisions that mandate governmental bodies to notify requestors in writing within ten business days if they have no responsive information or if the requested information is subject to a previous determination that allows for withholding. Additionally, the bill stipulates that a governmental body cannot impose charges for providing copies of public information under certain conditions, such as when the information is a required report or when the governmental body fails to respond appropriately to a request.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new section that allows requestors to file complaints with the attorney general if a governmental body fails to respond to their requests as required. If the attorney general finds that the governmental body did not comply, it can require the body to undergo open records training and prohibits it from charging the requestor for producing the information. The bill also clarifies the assessment of costs and attorney fees in litigation related to public information requests, ensuring that requestors who substantially prevail can recover their costs. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to requests received on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 552.221, Government Code 552.261, Government Code 552.306, Government Code 552.324 (Government Code 552)