Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4710

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to allowing a governmental body to combine multiple requests submitted by separate individuals on behalf of an organization for purposes of computing charges under the public information law.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4710 could lead to a significant change in how governmental bodies manage requests for public information. By allowing the aggregation of requests from individuals acting on behalf of an organization, the bill could effectively simplify the administrative processes and potentially lower costs for organizations. This shift could also mean that governmental agencies would need to adjust their protocols to accommodate this new practice, ensuring that they remain compliant with public information laws while being responsive to requests.

Summary

House Bill 4710 aims to amend the public information law by allowing a governmental body to combine multiple requests that are submitted by separate individuals on behalf of an organization for the purpose of computing any associated charges. This change is proposed to streamline processes and potentially reduce the financial burden on organizations that frequently request public information. The intent behind this bill is to enhance efficiency in handling requests while maintaining transparency in governmental operations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4710 appears to be generally positive among those advocating for government efficiency and transparency. Supporters argue that the bill would alleviate burdens on both the government and the entities requesting information, thus fostering a more collaborative environment. However, there could also be concerns among individuals about the implications of combining requests, as it might affect how singular requests are prioritized or handled.

Contention

Notably, discussions around HB 4710 could center on the balance between transparency and efficiency. While the bill is aimed at streamlining the request process, some may fear that aggregating requests could lead to less individualized attention to certain requests, potentially complicating the process for those seeking specific information. The bill's implications for governmental accountability and its potential impacts on various stakeholders, including advocacy organizations and individual citizens, could also be points of contention as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 552. Public Information
    • Section: 261

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.