Texas House Bill HB2965

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to changing the elements of an offense for certain open meetings requirements for a member of a governmental body.

Impact

The implications of HB2965 are significant as it narrows the scope of what constitutes an offense related to open meetings requirements. Currently, the law addresses conspiracy to circumvent open meeting statutes, which can cover a broad array of communications. HB2965 aims to ensure that any communications that suggest an agreement to act uniformly must be explicitly outlined, reducing ambiguity. This could lead to fewer prosecutions under this statute and clarify the lines of acceptable communication among governmental body members. Supporters of this change argue that it encourages open dialogue among officials while preserving the essence of transparency.

Summary

House Bill 2965 seeks to amend the Texas Government Code, specifically Section 551.143, which addresses the conduct of members of governmental bodies in relation to open meetings. The bill aims to redefine the offense concerning members who engage in clandestine communications outside official meetings. A crucial element of the proposed changes involves the ability of governmental body members to communicate about public business without a quorum being present, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in governmental processes. The language in the bill indicates a move away from broad conspiracy language towards a more precise formulation of misconduct related to open meetings.

Contention

Proponents of the bill might argue that this change is necessary to modernize the understanding of communication within governmental frameworks, especially in an age where various forms of communication exist. Critics, however, may contend that by narrowing the definition of misconduct, the legislation could inadvertently weaken the laws designed to prevent backdoor dealings and ensure public engagement in policy-making. The debate may center around balancing the need for open communication among governmental members with the public's right to transparency and the prevention of secretive decision-making processes.