Texas Senate Bill SB1692

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/11/11
• Introduced: 3/11/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/21/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/13/11
• Voted on by House: 5/20/11
• Engrossed: 4/21/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/29/11
• Report Pass: 5/12/11
• Enrolled: 5/21/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to municipal and county budgets on the Internet.

Impact

The implementation of SB1692 could represent a significant shift in how municipal and county budgets are communicated to the public. By ensuring that budgets are posted online, the bill encourages transparency and accountability within local governments, allowing taxpayers to better understand government expenditures and the decision-making process behind them. This could foster greater civic engagement and oversight, as residents would have the means to easily access and review budget documents.

Summary

SB1692 seeks to enhance transparency in the budgeting processes of municipalities and counties in Texas. The bill mandates that once a budget is approved by a local government body, it must be filed with the county auditor and county clerk. Crucially, it requires that if such a local government has an internet presence, it must post the final approved budget on its website. This measure aims to increase public access to budgetary information, enabling constituents to review how local entities allocate their resources.

Contention

While proponents argue that SB1692 promotes transparency and responsible governance, some critics may contend that the requirement for online publication could impose additional burdens on smaller municipalities and counties, particularly those with limited technological resources. Concerns may also arise regarding the adequacy of web accessibility for all demographics, suggesting that merely posting budgets online does not guarantee that all citizens can easily find or comprehend the provided information.