TX SB986

Creates new expedited response procedure allowing governmental bodies to withhold information they determine in good faith is exempt from disclosure without first requesting an attorney general decision, provided their public information officer has completed required 16-hour training and holds an active certificate

Establishes appeal process where requestors have 30 calendar days to appeal withheld information, triggering a 5-business-day deadline for the governmental body to submit a formal attorney general decision request with supporting documentation

Authorizes attorney general to impose $1,000 charge on governmental bodies that make bad faith requests for attorney general decisions, plus $500 per business day until withheld information is released following a bad faith determination

Makes public information officers ineligible to serve in that role if the attorney general determines they made a bad faith request for a decision

Grants attorney general authority to revoke a governmental body's expedited response authorization for up to 6 months or revoke an individual's training certificate for failing to comply with the law, with required public lists of certified officers and revoked authorizations