Texas Senate Bill SB125

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Relating to the Internet broadcast of open meetings of the Texas Funeral Service Commission.

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to significantly impact how the Funeral Service Commission conducts its meetings. By ensuring that meetings are available online, constituents unable to attend in person can view deliberations, ultimately leading to a more informed public. Furthermore, the requirements for archiving meetings for two years provide a permanent record that could be useful for future reference and inquiries into the commission's activities.

Summary

SB125 aims to enhance transparency within the Texas Funeral Service Commission by requiring the commission to broadcast its open meetings over the internet. This initiative is intended to allow the public greater access to commission proceedings, thereby promoting accountability and civic engagement. The legislation mandates that live video and audio of each open meeting be accessible on the commission’s website, alongside archived recordings available within a few days of the meetings.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a positive step towards transparency, some may argue about the potential costs associated with implementing such broadcasting technology. The text allows the commission to seek competitive bids for broadcasting services, which could mitigate costs, yet there are concerns about budget allocation and resource management in state-related activities. Moreover, discussions could arise regarding the quality and reliability of the broadcasts, especially in light of the provision stating the commission might be exempt from requirements under certain circumstances like technical failures or catastrophes.