The bill, H.B. No. 5585, amends the Government Code to enhance the ability of individuals to seek declaratory judgments regarding compliance with the open meetings law and public information law. It introduces new provisions allowing "an interested person, including a member of the news media," to bring an action for declaratory judgment to determine whether a governmental body has complied with relevant laws or to interpret provisions in relation to the governmental body's legal or factual positions. Additionally, the bill permits a requestor or the attorney general to initiate similar actions concerning requests for information made to governmental bodies.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing sections to clarify that courts may award costs and reasonable attorney's fees in actions brought under the new declaratory judgment provisions. The heading of Section 552.3215 is also updated to reflect the inclusion of declaratory judgment or injunctive relief following a complaint. The bill 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: Subchapter H, Chapter , Government Code 37.009, Government Code 552.3215, Government Code 552.323 (Government Code 552, Subchapter H, Chapter , Government Code 37)