H.B. No. 4219 amends the Government Code to enhance the accountability of governmental bodies in responding to public information requests. The bill introduces new requirements for governmental bodies, mandating that if they determine they have no information responsive to a request, they must notify the requestor in writing within 10 business days. Additionally, if the requested information is subject to a previous determination that allows for withholding, the governmental body must inform the requestor of this decision and specify the basis for withholding the information within the same timeframe.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a process for requestors to file complaints with the attorney general if a governmental body fails to respond as required. If the attorney general finds that the governmental body did not comply with the response requirements, it can mandate training for the public information officer and prohibit the body from charging the requestor for producing the information. The bill also stipulates that any request for information received after the effective date of September 1, 2025, will be subject to these new provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 552.221, Government Code 552.301 (Government Code 552)
House Committee Report: Government Code 552.221, Government Code 552.301 (Government Code 552)
Engrossed: Government Code 552.221, Government Code 552.301 (Government Code 552)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 552.221, Government Code 552.301 (Government Code 552)
Enrolled: Government Code 552.221, Government Code 552.301 (Government Code 552)