BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 79 85R2797 SRS-D By: Nelson Business & Commerce 2/15/2017 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Currently, political subdivisions like cities and counties may direct requestors of public information to a website if the information already exists online. However, state agencies must provide original copies for inspection, make duplications, and/or send the information by first class mail, all of which expend valuable time and resources. S.B. 79 streamlines access to public information by allowing state agencies to respond to information requests with an Internet address where requested information may already exist. As proposed, S.B. 79 amends current law relating to the production of public information available on a publicly accessible website. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Sections 552.221(b-1) and (b-2), Government Code, as follows: (b-1) Changes references from a political subdivision of this state to a governmental body in regards to public information maintained on a website. (b-2) Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2017.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 79
85R2797 SRS-D By: Nelson
Business & Commerce
2/15/2017
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 79
85R2797 SRS-D
By: Nelson
Business & Commerce
2/15/2017
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, political subdivisions like cities and counties may direct requestors of public information to a website if the information already exists online. However, state agencies must provide original copies for inspection, make duplications, and/or send the information by first class mail, all of which expend valuable time and resources.
S.B. 79 streamlines access to public information by allowing state agencies to respond to information requests with an Internet address where requested information may already exist.
As proposed, S.B. 79 amends current law relating to the production of public information available on a publicly accessible website.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Sections 552.221(b-1) and (b-2), Government Code, as follows:
(b-1) Changes references from a political subdivision of this state to a governmental body in regards to public information maintained on a website.
(b-2) Makes conforming changes.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2017.