Texas Senate Bill SB118

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Relating to the Internet broadcast of open meetings of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice.

Impact

The introduction of SB118 has the potential to alter existing transparency and public access norms regarding state government operations. By requiring live broadcasts and the archiving of meetings for two years, the bill would not only ensure that the discussions are available to a larger audience but also encourage more informed public participation in the legislative process. This change could lead to increased scrutiny of board actions and decisions, creating an environment that fosters community engagement and oversight.

Summary

SB118 aims to enhance transparency in the operations of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice by requiring the live Internet broadcast of all open meetings. The bill mandates that each open meeting must be streamed live on the department's website, allowing the public to access real-time discussions and decisions made by the board. This initiative is designed to increase accountability and provide citizens with greater insight into the workings of this governing body, which oversees significant aspects of the criminal justice system in Texas.

Contention

While SB118 has been met with support from advocates of transparency and public access to government proceedings, there may be concerns regarding the costs associated with implementing the required broadcasting and archiving services. The bill provides a provision that allows the Department to contract services through competitive bidding, which indicates an awareness of potential budget constraints. However, the extent to which these costs may affect the accessibility and reliability of broadcasts could be a point of contention among legislators and stakeholders.