Relating to the release of a tier two form listing hazardous chemicals that is in the possession of a political subdivision of this state.

HB 1563 makes tier two forms - documents listing hazardous chemicals held by local governments (like cities and counties) - confidential, preventing automatic public disclosure under Texas public information laws. Political subdivisions can only release these forms if the information has been publicly shared by the state environmental agency or if the release only states the general category of dangerous goods as defined in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook. This policy change shifts the default from public access to confidentiality for chemical safety records. The bill applies to all Texas political subdivisions and takes effect September 1, 2025.