Texas House Bill HB2891

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a fee charged by a municipality for a copy of public records.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2891 is expected to have a direct impact on the financial operations of local governments in Texas. By standardizing the fee at a minimum of 15 cents, the bill seeks to streamline the process of requesting public information, potentially increasing transparency and accountability in local governance. Municipalities will be able to utilize the collected fees solely for purposes related to records management, as provided in Chapter 203, which aims to enhance the management and preservation of public records.

Summary

House Bill 2891 focuses on the fees charged by municipalities for the production of copies of public records. Under this bill, municipalities are mandated to set a minimum fee of 15 cents per copy for records as outlined under Section 552.261 of the Government Code. The intent of the bill is to standardize the fee structure for accessing public records across the state, ensuring that all municipalities adhere to this minimum charge. The bill aims to support efficient records management practices within local governments by establishing clear and consistent guidelines for charging fees.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 2891 is a legislative attempt to create a more orderly and equitable system for accessing public records through standardized fees. This bill acknowledges the importance of public records as a mechanism for ensuring government transparency while trying to balance the financial aspects related to local governance.

Contention

The passage of HB 2891 could lead to discussions regarding the adequacy of the set fees and whether they effectively cover the costs associated with the duplication of records. While the aim is to provide a uniform approach, local governments may have differing opinions on whether the minimum fee is sufficient to address their specific operational costs. Critics may argue that imposing a minimum fee could limit access to public records for individuals who may find even the smallest fees burdensome.