BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 4214

By: Curry

Delivery of Government Efficiency

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill author has informed the committee that, under current law, individuals seeking public records often face difficulties in determining the correct contact information for submitting requests, leading to delays, confusion, and potential noncompliance by governmental entities. C.S.H.B. 4214 seeks to address transparency and accessibility of the Texas Public Information Act and ensure a centralized, updated database of governmental contact points for public information requests by requiring each governmental body to annually submit its designated mailing and electronic mail addresses for public information requests to the Texas Attorney General's office, and by requiring the attorney general to compile and maintain this information in a publicly accessible online database.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 4214 amends the Government Code to require each governmental body, not later than October 1 of each year, to notify the attorney general of the current mailing address and email address designated by the governmental body for receiving written requests for public information. The bill requires the attorney general to create and maintain on the office of the attorney general's website a publicly accessible database of those addresses provided by applicable governmental bodies.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.

COMPARISON OF INTRODUCED AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 4214 differs from the introduced in minor or nonsubstantive ways by conforming to certain bill drafting conventions.