Texas Senate Bill SB2013

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the disclosure of certain public information by a public school district.

Impact

The implications of SB 2013 are significant for both school districts and the public. By formalizing the requirement for the disclosure of these control files, the bill establishes a clear framework for how public records should be maintained and accessed. School districts will need to evaluate their current systems to comply with the new regulations, which may involve additional administrative efforts to organize and provide access to the requested information. This change aims to empower community members by enabling them to hold school districts accountable for their financial management and decision-making processes.

Summary

Senate Bill 2013, introduced by Taylor of Collin, focuses on the transparency and disclosure of certain public information specifically related to public school districts in Texas. The bill amends the Government Code to include a new provision mandating that control files of databases used by school districts for financial information must be considered public information. This legislation aims to enhance accountability and ensure that financial records maintained by school districts are accessible to the public, thereby promoting a culture of transparency in education governance.

Contention

While supporters of SB 2013 laud it as a necessary step towards improved transparency in public education, there may be concerns surrounding the logistics of implementation and the potential costs associated with compliance. Critics may argue that not all information can be easily disclosed without compromising employee privacy or operational efficiency, as evidenced by provisions in the bill that maintain confidentiality under certain sections of the Government Code. As such, discussions around the bill could touch on balancing transparency with the practical challenges posed by such disclosures.