Relating to public information in the possession, custody, or control of a current or former officer or employee of a governmental body; creating a criminal offense.
The implementation of HB 2670 would amend existing Government Code provisions, reinforcing obligations for current and former officers or employees regarding the handling of public information. It particularly emphasizes that these custodians must either transfer all relevant documents to the governmental body or retain them according to specified timelines. The bill aims to safeguard public information from being lost or mismanaged and promote compliance with public records requests. Violations of these stipulations could lead to criminal penalties for temporary custodians who fail to comply.
House Bill 2670 relates to the handling and preservation of public information within governmental bodies. It introduces the concept of a 'temporary custodian,' defined as any officer or employee who creates or receives public information but does not directly forward it to the official custodian of public records. This addition aims to clarify responsibilities concerning the maintenance of public records, particularly those kept on private devices. By addressing the chain of custody for government-related documents, the bill seeks to foster better management practices for public information.
Potential points of contention around HB 2670 may arise from concerns about the practical implications of enforcing such provisions. Critics may argue that it places undue burden on individuals in governmental roles, particularly in scenarios where information management practices are not clearly defined. Additionally, the bill could lead to debates over privacy concerns, especially in regards to personal devices being involved in the handling of public records. Overall, while supporters might emphasize its role in increasing transparency and accountability, detractors may highlight the administrative and legal complexities it could introduce.