87R12434 TJB-D By: Wilson H.B. No. 4493 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the requirement that a state agency provide information to another state agency on request. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. The heading to Chapter 774, Government Code, is amended to read as follows: CHAPTER 774. EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION BETWEEN CERTAIN [REGULATORY] AGENCIES SECTION 2. Section 774.001, Government Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 774.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Health care provider" means a person who has been issued a license by a health care regulatory agency. (2) "Health care regulatory agency" means a regulatory agency that: (A) appoints a member of the Health Professions Council; or (B) is supervised by the health licensing division of the Texas Department of Health. (3) "License" includes a license, certificate, registration, permit, or other authorization, required by law or state agency rule, that a person must obtain to practice or engage in a particular business or occupation. (4) "Regulatory agency" means an agency, including a department, commission, board, or office, that: (A) is created by the constitution or by statute; (B) is in the executive branch of state government; (C) has statewide authority; and (D) has authority to deny, grant, renew, revoke, or suspend a license. (5) "State agency" means a department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the executive branch of state government, including a university system or institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code. SECTION 3. Chapter 774, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 774.004 to read as follows: Sec. 774.004. EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION BETWEEN STATE AGENCIES. (a) A state agency that receives a written request for information, other than information that is confidential under law, from another state agency shall provide the information to the requesting agency not later than the 10th day following the date the request is received. (b) A state agency that receives a request under this section must provide the information to the requesting state agency without cost. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2021.