Texas Senate Bill SB425

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the availability under the public information law of information contained in a bid or proposal after a contract is executed or awarded.

Impact

The implementation of SB425 is expected to increase public access to information, thereby promoting transparency and accountability within state and local governmental bodies. By allowing the public to access information about bids and proposals post-award, the bill empowers citizens to scrutinize government contracts more effectively. This change is likely to affect various stakeholders, including businesses who participate in government bidding, as increased transparency could lead to greater competition and fairer market practices.

Summary

SB425 introduces amendments to the Texas Government Code, specifically regarding the public availability of information contained in bids or proposals once a government entity has executed or awarded a contract. The bill stipulates that the exceptions currently protecting certain information cease to apply after a contract is finalized, thereby making this information accessible to the public. This change aims to enhance transparency in government dealings, particularly concerning the procurement process and contract awards.

Contention

Despite its aim for greater transparency, SB425 may face contention from several fronts. Some private sector stakeholders may express concerns about the exposure of sensitive business information that could be detrimental to competition if made publicly available. Additionally, government entities might argue about the administrative burden that increased transparency could impose, particularly in terms of managing requests for bid information and ensuring that sensitive information is appropriately classified.

Last_action_date

September 1, 2017