House Bill No. 4987 introduces an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedure for requestors seeking information under the public information law in Texas. The new Section 552.328 of the Government Code allows requestors to require governmental bodies to participate in ADR if they disagree with the governmental body's written determination or an assertion made in response to their information request. The requestor must submit a written notice to the governmental body within 180 days of the initial request, detailing the information sought and the remedies desired. The governmental body is mandated to participate in the ADR process upon receiving this notice.

The bill also stipulates that the ADR procedure must align with Chapter 154 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. If the requestor and the governmental body cannot agree on an impartial third party to facilitate the ADR, the State Office of Administrative Hearings will conduct the procedure at no cost to either party. Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not affect existing deadlines or duties under the public information law and allows requestors to clarify or withdraw their requests. The State Office of Administrative Hearings is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement this section by January 1, 2026, and the law will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()