Big Changes to the Texas Public Information Act: HB 4219 Explained

The Texas Public Information Act (PIA), found in Chapter 552 of the Government Code, is the state’s open records law. With House Bill 4219, effective September 1, 2025, the Legislature tightened deadlines, improved transparency, and created consequences for agencies that fail to comply.

Four major additions

1. What if no records exist? (Gov’t Code § 552.221(f))

The old law:
Agencies could respond informally that no records existed, and requestors sometimes heard nothing at all.

The new law:
If no responsive information exists, the agency’s public information officer must send a written notice to the requestor within 10 business days.

Why it matters:
Requestors will know for certain that their request was processed and not ignored. Agencies must now document their “no records” responses.

2. What about withholding records?  (Gov’t Code § 552.221(g))

The old law:
Agencies could withhold records under a prior Attorney General (AG) decision without notifying the requestor or explaining which ruling applied.

The new law:
If information is withheld base on a prior ruling, the agency must:
(a) Notify the requestor in writing within 10 business days; and
(b) Identify the specific previous determination the agency is relying on.

Why it matters:
Requestors gain visibility into why information is being withheld. Agencies can’t rely on vague references to old AG rulings.

3. What about requesting an Attorney General ruling? (Gov’t Code § 552.301(b))

The old law:
Agencies had some leeway in seeking AG review and could often provide generalized reasons for withholding information.

The new law:
Within 10 business days of receiving the request, agencies must:
(a) Ask the AG for a ruling; and
(b) Cite the specific[1]  PIA exceptions they believe apply.

Why it matters:
The process now requires precision. Requestors benefit from fewer delays, and agencies must provide specific legal justifications for withholding information.

4. New process and penalties for noncompliance. (Gov’t Code § 552.328)

The old law:
If an agency failed to respond properly, the requestor’s only option was to file a lawsuit—an expensive and time-consuming remedy.

The new law:
Requestors can now file a complaint with the Attorney General if an agency fails to comply. If the AG finds a violation:
(a) The agency’s public information officer (or designee) must complete open records training within 6 months;
(b) The agency may not charge the requestor for producing the requested information; and
(c) If it still seeks to withhold records, it must request an AG ruling within 5 business days and release the information unless there is a compelling reason to withhold it.

Why it matters:
This adds accountability short of a lawsuit. Agencies face training requirements, lose the ability to bill requestors if they mishandle requests, and must promptly seek an AG ruling when they wrongly withhold information.

The Bottom Line

HB 4219 is a major shift in Texas open government law. Agencies are now required to communicate clearly, and respond quickly, and face consequences for noncompliance. For citizens, journalists, and watchdog groups, it means fewer unanswered questions and stronger tools to enforce transparency.

 1. The only change to this section was the addition of “specific”