Relating to the right of officers of counties, county boards of school trustees, and county boards of education to obtain information, documents, and records.
Impact
One of the primary impacts of HB 3235 is on the information-sharing protocols between county officers and governmental bodies. By granting county officers the right to access not just public records but also confidential information that may otherwise be withheld, the bill changes the landscape of local governance. It necessitates that county governmental bodies comply with access requests, potentially improving operational efficiency and enhancing the oversight capabilities of county officers.
Details
The bill outlines a confidentiality agreement that county officers must adhere to when accessing sensitive information, which is designed to safeguard the integrity of the data while allowing necessary access. The legislation also provides mechanisms for the attorney general to determine whether information requested is confidential under law, indicating an added layer of oversight. The overall reception of HB 3235 will depend on how it influences local government operations and addresses the concerns of transparency versus confidentiality.
Summary
House Bill 3235 aims to amend Chapter 89 of the Local Government Code in Texas by establishing special rights of access to information for officers of counties, county boards of school trustees, and county boards of education. This bill enables county officers to obtain public information pertinent to the governmental bodies they oversee, thereby facilitating greater transparency and accountability in local governance. The intent is to streamline the process of accessing necessary documents and records significant for county operations.
Contention
While supporters of this bill may argue that it promotes accountability and facilitates smoother operations within county governments, there are points of contention that arise regarding local control and the handling of sensitive information. Critics may express concern that by allowing broader access to confidential information, the bill could lead to unauthorized disclosures or misuse of sensitive data. Furthermore, there is a debate about the balance of power between elected county officials and other governmental entities, questioning whether this right of access could create friction and complicate existing relationships.
Identical
Relating to the right of officers of counties, county boards of school trustees, and county boards of education to obtain information, documents, and records.
Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.
Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain records containing applicant or student information that are held by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Relating to the right of members of the legislature, the lieutenant governor, committees of the legislature, and legislative agencies to access certain governmental information for legislative purposes; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the right of members of the legislature, the lieutenant governor, committees of the legislature, and legislative agencies to access certain governmental information for legislative purposes; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to confidential information under the public information law and to procedures and deadlines under the public information law in relation to the redaction of certain confidential information by a governmental body.