The bill, H.B. No. 111, amends the Texas Government Code to clarify the applicability of public information laws, particularly regarding the disclosure of information held by various governmental bodies. Key changes include the expansion of the definition of "governmental body" to include new entities such as nonprofit state associations that are primarily composed of similarly situated political subdivisions, have more than 15 full-time employees, and receive public funds. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that specify exceptions to disclosure for certain governmental bodies and legal matters, emphasizing the need for transparency while protecting confidential communications.

Significant amendments include the addition of subsections that clarify the exceptions to disclosure under Sections 552.106 and 552.107, which now explicitly state that these exceptions do not apply to a range of governmental bodies and outline the conditions under which legal communications may be withheld. Furthermore, the bill repeals several existing sections related to public information, streamlining the legal framework. The changes aim to enhance government transparency while balancing the need to protect sensitive information, with the bill set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote or on September 1, 2025, if not.

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 552, Government Code 306)
House Committee Report: Government Code 552.003, Government Code 552.106, Government Code 552.107, Government Code 306.003, Government Code 306.004, Government Code 306.008, Government Code 325.0195, Government Code 552.123 (Government Code 552, Government Code 325, Government Code 306)