The bill would amend the Government Code regarding public information law, introducing new requirements for governmental bodies when responding to information requests. The bill would mandate that if no responsive information exists, an agency's public information officer must notify the requester within 10 business days. Additionally, the bill would delineate circumstances in which governmental bodies cannot charge for providing public information. It would also requesters to file complaints with the attorney general when an agency fails to respond. This analysis assume that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed using existing resources.

The bill would set conditions under which a governmental body would be unable to impose a charge for providing a copy of public information. The number of requests for which a governmental entity would be unable to charge a fee for providing a copy of public information and the associated revenue loss to the state is unknown.

The bill would direct a court to assess costs of litigation and reasonable attorney fees incurred by an intervening requestor if the intervening requestor substantially prevails in an action under Chapter 552 of the Government Code, The Public Information Act, which establishes the public's right to access government records and documents. The revenue impact of this provision cannot be determined.

LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 89TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION


April 28, 2025

TO:	Honorable Giovanni Capriglione, Chair, House Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency

FROM:	Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board

IN RE:	HB2248 by Smithee (relating to the public information law.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted