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 no later than the 10th business day after the request is received. Additionally, it requires that if information is withheld, the governmental body must identify the specific previous determination justifying the action.

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. The attorney general is tasked with determining whether the governmental body improperly failed to comply, and if so, mandates training for the public information officer and prohibits the assessment of costs to the requestor for producing the information. The changes 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)