Signed Into Law
Signed June 20, 2025Effective 2025-06-20
HB4219

Regular Session

Relating to a governmental body's response to a request for public information.

Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis

Need Help Navigating This Legislation?

JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.

01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Immediate Action Plan

Operational Changes Required

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

Need Compliance Guidance on This Legislation?

Schedule a Consultation

Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02
03
Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about HB4219

Q

What does Texas HB4219 do?

HB4219 eliminates the "pocket veto" in the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA). Governmental bodies are now statutorily required to explicitly notify requestors if no responsive records exist or if a previous ruling is being used to withhold data. Failure to comply triggers an immediate prohibition on charging fees and, most critically, strips the agency of its ability to withhold information—potentially exposing private sector trade secrets—unless a "compelling reason" is proven within a strict 5-day window.

Q

Who authored HB4219?

HB4219 was authored by Texas Representative Giovanni Capriglione during the Regular Session.

Q

When was HB4219 signed into law?

HB4219 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce HB4219?

HB4219 is enforced by Office of the Attorney General.

Q

How significant are the changes in HB4219?

The regulatory priority for HB4219 is rated as "critical". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

Q

What is the cost impact of HB4219?

The cost impact of HB4219 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does HB4219 address?

HB4219 addresses topics including open records, attorney general and state agencies, boards & commissions.

Q

What are the key dates for HB4219?

Key dates for HB4219: Effective date is 2025-06-20. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.

Q

What are the penalties under HB4219?

HB4219 establishes the following penalties: administrative penalty of Mandatory Open Records Training for Attorney General determination that the governmental body failed to respond to a requestor as required.; administrative penalty of Loss of 'Compelling Reason' protection for If a violation is found, the body must release information unless a 'compelling reason' exists, significantly narrowing grounds for withholding.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026