Honorable Chris Paddie, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3435 by Smithee (Relating to an expedited response by a governmental body to a request for public information.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 522 of the Government Code relating to expedited responses by a governmental body to requests for public information. The bill would create an optional Public Information Act procedure that permits governmental bodies to withhold information under the act without a decision from the Office of the Attorney General. Requestors would receive a clear notice describing the types of information that are redacted and can appeal any redaction through a streamlined appeal process, which is outlined in the provisions of the bill.
According to the Office of the Attorney General, any costs resulting from the provisions of the bill could be absorbed within current resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.