Relating to the authority of certain water districts to hold meetings by teleconference or videoconference.
If enacted, this bill will amend Subchapter F of Chapter 551 of the Government Code by adding specific provisions for water districts regarding remote meetings. The proposed changes intend to align the meeting protocols of water districts with the growing trend of leveraging technology for governance. It recognizes the necessity for water districts to maintain operational continuity while ensuring compliance with legal protocols regarding public access and transparency during such remote meetings.
House Bill 1339 aims to provide certain water districts in Texas with the authority to hold meetings via teleconference or videoconference. This measure is particularly relevant for water districts whose territories encompass land in three or more counties. By allowing meetings to be conducted remotely, the bill seeks to facilitate timely decision-making and improve operational efficiency, especially in situations where convening a quorum in person poses difficulties.
One notable aspect of HB 1339 is the requirement that meetings held through telephone or video conferencing can only occur under particular circumstances. Specifically, they must be special called meetings where immediate action is required and where it is challenging to gather a quorum in one location. This stipulation aims to prevent misuse of remote meeting provisions and ensures that they are reserved for urgent situations, thereby addressing potential concerns about accountability and public participation.