Bill > HB4218

This bill updates Texas public information law to provide clearer guidelines for accessing and producing electronic public information. It expands the definition of "public information" to include electronic communications related to official business and data dictionaries for databases, while explicitly stating that electronic recordkeeping systems cannot reduce public access to information. The bill requires governmental bodies to provide electronic public information in searchable or sortable formats when requested, using the same computer software they use to manage their information. Importantly, governmental bodies cannot refuse to provide electronic information by claiming that exporting or redacting would require complex computer commands, nor can they charge requestors for inputting such commands. The bill also mandates that governmental bodies make reasonable efforts to ensure contracts for creating electronic information do not impede public access. The legislation applies to electronic records held by third parties and does not change existing confidentiality provisions. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to public information requests received on or after that date, with some minor technical amendments to related sections of local government code.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4218