Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB923

Caption

Relating to open government.

Impact

This legislation has significant implications for the governance of local and state agencies. It ensures that members of the public do not just have the right to know about governmental meetings, but also the ability to actively participate without needing to be physically present. This is particularly important in situations where attendance might be hindered by distance or emergencies. Additionally, the provisions for electronic public information are aimed at making data more accessible and manageable for both governmental bodies and the public.

Summary

SB923 aims to enhance the transparency of governmental operations in Texas by amending existing provisions related to open meetings and public information. The bill introduces new guidelines that mandate governmental bodies to ensure public access to meetings held via telephone or videoconference and to provide live broadcasts over the internet. Importantly, the bill stipulates that recordings of these meetings must be made available to the public within 24 hours after the conclusion of the meeting. By implementing these requirements, SB923 seeks to facilitate greater involvement of citizens in government processes.

Contention

While proponents argue that SB923 will foster transparency and greater civic engagement, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing such requirements. The obligation to ensure that all meetings are accessible through multiple formats may pose logistical challenges. Furthermore, there may be discussions around the balance between transparency and privacy, particularly concerning sensitive information that might be publicly disclosed during these meetings. Overall, the passage of SB923 reflects a growing emphasis on the importance of open government principles.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB42

Relating to remote and other meetings held under the open meetings law.

TX HB3440

Relating to the governmental bodies required to post on the Internet agendas for meetings under the open meetings law.

TX SB2272

Relating to the operation of the Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association.

TX HB4357

Relating to the persons who must be physically present for certain remote meetings under the open meetings law.

TX HB390

Relating to the Internet broadcast or recording of certain open meetings.

TX HB4440

Relating to state and local government responses to a pandemic disaster, including the establishment of the Pandemic Disaster Legislative Oversight Committee.

TX HB3893

Relating to meetings of the board of directors of the Gulf Coast Authority.

TX SB2336

Relating to meetings of the board of directors of the Gulf Coast Authority.

TX HB5140

Relating to a prohibition against the consideration of race or ethnicity as a factor in governmental employment or contracting, in other governmental functions, and in higher education admissions.

TX HB537

Relating to public access to the audit records of certain governmental entities.

Similar Bills

TX HB3033

Relating to the public information law.

TX HB3544

Relating to the standards, methods, and procedures used by governmental bodies in taking certain actions and managing certain information, including standards, methods, and procedures relating to electronic notices by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, electronically stored information provided by a governmental body, confidentiality of e-mail addresses provided to a governmental body, and determinations regarding whether property is pollution control property for ad valorem tax purposes.