H.B. No. 3516 amends Section 552.144 of the Government Code to expand the exceptions under the public information law regarding the working papers and electronic communications of administrative law judges. The bill specifically includes technical examiners at the State Office of Administrative Hearings and the Railroad Commission of Texas, thereby broadening the scope of individuals whose communications are protected from public disclosure. The types of documents that are exempted from public information requests include notes, drafts of proposals for decisions, and orders related to contested case hearings and alternative dispute resolution procedures.

The changes made by this Act will only apply to requests for public information received on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. This means that any requests made prior to this date will not be subject to the new exceptions outlined in the bill. The legislation was passed by both the House and Senate with significant support, indicating a legislative intent to protect the confidentiality of certain judicial communications in the administrative law context.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 552.144 (Government Code 552)
House Committee Report: Government Code 552.144 (Government Code 552)
Engrossed: Government Code 552.144 (Government Code 552)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 552.144 (Government Code 552)
Enrolled: Government Code 552.144 (Government Code 552)