H.B. No. 5027 amends the Texas Government Code to clarify and expand the definition of "governmental body" under Section 552.003(1). The bill introduces new criteria for organizations that qualify as governmental bodies, specifically those that receive at least 51 percent of their revenue from public funds or engage primarily in activities under agreements with governmental bodies. Additionally, it specifies that certain exceptions to disclosure do not apply to various governmental bodies, including county commissioners courts, municipal governing bodies, and entities managing the Alamo. The bill also modifies the exceptions to disclosure under Sections 552.106 and 552.107, emphasizing the need for transparency and limiting the scope of attorney-client privilege in favor of public interest.

Furthermore, the bill repeals several existing provisions related to public information, including Sections 552.111, 552.123, 552.126, and 552.154, and transfers Section 552.133(a-1) to Section 551.086, where it is redefined. The amendments aim to enhance government transparency by ensuring that more entities are subject to public information laws and by clarifying the conditions under which information can be withheld. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 552.003, Government Code 552.106, Government Code 552.107, Government Code 552.305, Government Code 552.915, Government Code 306.003, Government Code 306.004, Government Code 306.008 (Government Code 306, Government Code 552)