Texas House Bill HB2017

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to conducting a study to improve transparency in the state's budgeting process and electronic access to information about the state budget.

Impact

If enacted, HB2017 would significantly reform how budget information is disseminated, promoting greater public access and understanding of state financial allocations and decisions. The study is expected to explore innovative ways to provide timely, open standards-compliant electronic access to proposed appropriations and other critical financial reports during legislative sessions. This increase in transparency could foster more informed public discourse and enhance accountability within state government.

Summary

House Bill 2017 aims to enhance the transparency of the state's budgeting process through a collaborative study spearheaded by the governor and the Legislative Budget Board (LBB). The bill mandates the creation of a study team comprising representatives from various state agencies and institutions, including the comptroller and the Department of Information Resources. This study will focus on strategies to improve access to budgetary information for both the public and legislators, emphasizing the 25 state programs with the highest expenditures.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at improving transparency, there could be points of contention regarding the implementation of the recommendations arising from the study. Questions may arise about the costs associated with enhancing information technologies needed to support improved access, as well as concerns surrounding data privacy and security. Moreover, the necessity of balancing public access with practical constraints of state resources may be a topic of debate among legislators and stakeholders involved in the budgeting process.