Texas Senate Bill SB701

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/31/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/6/11
• Refer: 3/21/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/11
• Voted on by House: 5/23/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Report Pass: 3/31/11
• Engrossed: 4/6/11
• Refer: 4/28/11
• Report Pass: 5/19/11
• Enrolled: 5/25/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to high-value data sets of state agencies posted on the Internet.

Impact

If enacted, SB701 will significantly alter how state agencies interact with the public through the internet. Every agency will need to determine the feasibility and capacity to post these high-value data sets without additional costs to the state. This may lead to improved resource allocation as agencies are encouraged to seek innovative ways to utilize existing assets or acquire contracts that facilitate the posting of data sets. Furthermore, this shift towards open data may enhance public trust in government by providing insight into agency operations and decision-making processes.

Summary

Senate Bill 701 aims to enhance transparency and accountability of state agencies by requiring them to post high-value data sets online. These data sets are defined as information that can improve public knowledge of agency operations, promote economic opportunities, and increase overall governmental responsiveness. Importantly, data that is confidential or protected under state or federal law is exempt from this requirement. The objective is to make valuable information readily accessible to the public, thereby fostering a more informed citizenry and allowing for better engagement with government operations.

Contention

The bill may encourage debates about data security and privacy, especially concerning the balance between transparency and protection of sensitive information. Critics may argue that while transparency is essential, there must be safeguards against the potential misuse of public data. Moreover, implementation challenges might arise, especially for smaller agencies with limited resources, which may struggle to meet the new requirements without incurring expenses. These discussions will likely focus on finding a balance between robust public access to information and the necessary protections for data that could be misused if made public.