House Bill No. 4990 aims to enhance compliance with Texas's public information law by establishing an open records hotline operated by the attorney general. This hotline will allow members of the public, as well as employees or officers of governmental bodies, to call a toll-free number to inquire about the requirements of the public information law, including how to properly request information and ensure compliance. The attorney general is tasked with responding to these inquiries to promote adherence to the law.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new process for individuals who believe a governmental body has failed to provide requested public information. It allows them to file a written complaint with the attorney general, which must include the original request, any correspondence from the governmental body, and a statement detailing the perceived non-compliance. The attorney general is required to review these complaints and respond within a specified timeframe. The bill also amends existing provisions regarding complaints about overcharging for public information copies, establishing clearer deadlines for responses from the attorney general and governmental bodies. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 552.269 (Government Code 552)