House Bill No. 2248 amends the Texas Government Code to enhance the public information law by introducing new requirements for governmental bodies regarding the handling of information requests. The bill specifies that if a governmental body determines it has no information responsive to a request, it must notify the requestor in writing within ten business days. Additionally, if the requested information is subject to a previous determination that allows for withholding, the governmental body must provide written notification to the requestor, including the specific determination being relied upon. The bill also establishes that a governmental body cannot impose charges for providing copies of public information if certain conditions regarding clarification requests or attorney general opinions are met.

Furthermore, the bill introduces 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 mandate training for the body and prevent it from charging the requestor for the information. The changes in law will apply only to requests received on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 552.221, Government Code 552.261, Government Code 552.306, Government Code 552.324 (Government Code 552)
House Committee Report: Government Code 552.221, Government Code 552.261, Government Code 552.323 (Government Code 552)
Engrossed: Government Code 552.221, Government Code 552.261, Government Code 552.323 (Government Code 552)