The bill, S.B. No. 919, amends the Government Code to enhance the response protocols for governmental bodies regarding public information requests. It introduces new requirements for governmental bodies to notify requestors in writing if they have no responsive information or if the requested information is subject to a previous determination that allows for withholding. Specifically, the bill mandates that such notifications must occur within ten business days of receiving the request. Additionally, it requires the governmental body to specify the previous determination relied upon when withholding information.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new section, 552.328, which allows requestors to file a written complaint with the attorney general if a governmental body fails to respond as required. If the attorney general finds that the governmental body did not comply, it can mandate training for the public information officer and prohibit the body from charging the requestor for producing the information. The bill's provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply only to requests received on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 552.221, Government Code 552.301 (Government Code 552)