Bill > HB1678

This bill makes several changes to Texas laws regarding public information disclosure and records. First, it clarifies that body-worn camera recordings include audio, video, and audiovisual recordings, and expands the terminology used to describe such recordings. The bill modifies the Government Code to provide more specificity around confidential information exceptions, explicitly stating that certain legal privileges (such as attorney-client and work product privileges) do not automatically exempt information from disclosure. It requires governmental bodies to promptly release "basic information" about arrests and crimes, unless another legal provision allows withholding. The bill also strengthens transparency by presuming information is publicly disclosable if a governmental body fails to follow proper procedures for requesting an attorney general decision about its release, and specifies that certain statutory exceptions do not constitute compelling reasons for withholding information. Additionally, the bill makes a technical change to how county clerks charge fees for record copies and repeals a section of the Government Code related to fee calculations. These changes will apply to public information requests received on or after September 1, 2025, and are intended to make government information more accessible while still protecting certain sensitive details.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1678