Texas Senate Bill SB246

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the electronic submission of a request for an attorney general opinion.

Impact

With the implementation of SB246, the timeline for receiving acknowledgment of requests is defined, stipulating that the attorney general must acknowledge the receipt of the request within 15 days. Furthermore, the attorney general is required to issue an opinion or notify the requesting party of any delays within 180 days of receiving the request. These provisions set clear expectations for the processing times of requests, thereby potentially improving the legal framework within which state agencies operate and enhancing government accountability.

Summary

SB246 is a legislative act introduced in the state of Texas aimed at modernizing the process for submitting requests for attorney general opinions. The bill amends Subsection (c) of Section 402.042 of the Government Code, allowing such requests to be submitted electronically by email, in addition to requiring a written request to be sent via certified or registered mail. This change is intended to streamline the process and improve access for citizens and entities seeking legal clarification from the state’s attorney general.

Contention

Though the bill seems straightforward, it could lead to discussions regarding the accessibility and responsiveness of the attorney general’s office. There might be concerns about the volume of electronic requests and whether the office can manage these efficiently alongside traditional requests. Additionally, while electronic submission may facilitate quicker access to opinions, it might exclude individuals who lack digital literacy or resources, thus raising equity concerns in public access to legal opinions.