The bill amends the Government Code to enhance the authority of certain individuals to bring actions for declaratory judgment regarding compliance with the open meetings law and public information law. Specifically, it introduces new sections, 551.1425 and 552.3214, which allow interested persons, including members of the news media, and requestors or the attorney general, respectively, to seek judicial determination on whether a governmental body has complied with relevant provisions or to assess the accuracy of the governmental body's legal or factual positions.

Additionally, the bill amends existing sections to clarify that courts hearing these actions may award costs and reasonable attorney's fees, as outlined in Section 37.009 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. The heading of Section 552.3215 is also updated to reflect the inclusion of declaratory judgment or injunctive relief following a complaint. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Subchapter H, Chapter , Government Code 37.009, Government Code 552.3215, Government Code 552.323 (Subchapter H, Chapter , Government Code 37, Government Code 552)