Texas House Bill HB810

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to distribution of state agency reports to legislators.

Impact

The proposed amendments are likely to enhance the efficiency of information dissemination within the legislative framework, potentially leading to improved accessibility of state agency reports. By mandating the electronic distribution of reports, the bill is expected to reduce physical documentation, thus promoting a more eco-friendly approach to legislative communications and reducing administrative burden on state agencies in distributing printed copies.

Summary

House Bill 810 aims to amend the Government Code regarding the distribution of state agency reports to members of the legislature. The bill stipulates that state agency reports can only be made available to legislators in an electronic format prescribed by the Texas Legislative Council. This change reflects a legislative intent to streamline the process by which lawmakers receive important information necessary for their oversight responsibilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 810 appears to be generally favorable among proponents of government transparency and efficiency. Many stakeholders advocate for the modernization of legislative processes, viewing this bill as a progressive step towards enhancing operational procedures within the Texas Legislature. Conversely, there may be concerns regarding the digital divide, where some legislators could struggle with electronic access or handling of documents, but overall, the bill does not seem to encounter significant opposition.

Contention

While the bill has not sparked widespread debate or notable points of contention, discussions may arise around the requirements placed on state agencies and the resources necessary to comply with the new electronic format mandates. As agencies adapt to these changes, there might be challenges relating to technology infrastructure or training for legislative members to efficiently engage with digital documents.