H.B. No. 4490 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure by adding a new subsection that exempts information regarding the next of kin of deceased persons from mandatory public disclosure under Chapter 552 of the Government Code. This new provision specifies that while such information is not publicly disclosed, it remains accessible under subpoena or other legal authority.

The bill clarifies that the changes apply to requests for information received by governmental bodies or public information officers on or after the effective date of the Act. Requests made prior to this date will continue to be governed by the existing law. The Act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.