Texas Senate Bill SB792

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/18/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/15/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/24/11
• Refer: 3/1/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/11
• Report Pass: 3/15/11
• Voted on by House: 5/23/11
• Engrossed: 3/24/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/28/11
• Report Pass: 5/16/11
• Enrolled: 5/23/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the duties of the secretary of state.

Impact

The adjustments made by SB792 primarily affect the operational processes within the Secretary of State's office. By defining and streamlining the duties of the Secretary, the bill aims to enhance efficiency in managing state records and ensure timely dissemination of information, such as the list of notary publics. The intent behind these changes is to improve the overall functionality of the Secretary's office, thereby facilitating better governance at the state level.

Summary

SB792 amends specific sections of the Government Code related to the duties of the Secretary of State in Texas. The primary focus of the bill is to clarify and update the responsibilities of the Secretary of State, ensuring that these duties are in line with current requirements and practices. Among the duties listed, the bill specifies that the Secretary shall affix the state seal to official documents and maintain a register of all state officers, which is vital for transparency and operational integrity within the state's governance framework.

Contention

While no significant points of contention were noted in the discussions surrounding SB792, it is important to recognize that alterations in governmental duties may raise concerns about resource allocation and the effectiveness of the Secretary of State in carrying out these revised responsibilities. Advocates of the bill believe it brings much-needed clarity and modernizes outdated sections of law, while skeptics may question the impacts of these changes both for state officers and for constituents needing access to notarial services.