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. It clarifies that "promptly" means responding within a reasonable time without delay, and mandates that if a governmental body has no information responsive to a request, it must notify the requestor in writing within ten business days. Additionally, if the information is subject to a previous determination that allows withholding, the governmental body must inform the requestor of this decision and the specific basis for it within the same timeframe.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits governmental bodies from charging for copies of public information under certain conditions, such as when clarification of a request is sought after the tenth business day or when an attorney general's opinion mandates disclosure. It also establishes a process for requestors to file complaints with the attorney general if a governmental body fails to respond appropriately, leading to potential training requirements for the body involved. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to requests received 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)
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)