HB 3516

relating to the availability of certain working papers and
electronic communications of certain administrative law judges and
technical examiners under the public information law.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 552.144, Government Code, is amended to
Sec. 552.144.  EXCEPTION:  WORKING PAPERS AND ELECTRONIC
COMMUNICATIONS OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES AND TECHNICAL
EXAMINERS AT STATE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS AND RAILROAD
COMMISSION.  The following working papers and electronic
communications of an administrative law judge at the State Office
of Administrative Hearings or of a technical examiner or
administrative law judge at the Railroad Commission of Texas are
excepted from the requirements of Section 552.021:
(1)  notes and electronic communications recording the
observations, thoughts, questions, deliberations, or impressions
of an administrative law judge or a technical examiner;
(2)  drafts of a proposal for decision;
(3)  drafts of orders made in connection with
conducting contested case hearings; and
(4)  drafts of orders made in connection with
conducting alternative dispute resolution procedures.
SECTION 2.  The changes in law made by this Act apply only to
a request for public information received by a governmental body or
an officer for public information on or after the effective date of
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.