Texas Senate Bill SB916

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to quorums and meetings by teleconference of the Texas Bioenergy Policy Council and the Texas Bioenergy Research Committee.

Impact

One of the key impacts of SB916 is the modification of quorum requirements, where members participating via teleconferencing methods can be counted towards establishing a quorum. This adjustment broadens participation and allows for a more inclusive approach to governance in these councils. The bill stipulates that notifications for meetings must still adhere to existing standards, ensuring transparency and public access remains a priority.

Summary

SB916 seeks to amend certain provisions within the Texas Agriculture Code concerning the Texas Bioenergy Policy Council and the Texas Bioenergy Research Committee. This bill allows these bodies to hold meetings through telecommunication methods such as telephone conference calls and videoconferences. By doing so, the bill aims to enhance accessibility and flexibility in how these councils conduct their meetings, which is particularly relevant in today's context where remote communication has become increasingly prevalent due to technological advances and public health considerations.

Contention

While the bill aims to facilitate easier participation in council meetings, it may also raise questions about the effectiveness of remote participation compared to in-person meetings. Critics might argue that vital discussions could lose depth when conducted via teleconferencing. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding accountability and transparency if members engage in discussions remotely, without the same level of public oversight that physical meetings provide.