TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1291

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1291

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the authority of certain persons to bring an action for declaratory judgment under the open meetings law or public information law regarding compliance or action by a governmental body.

Impact

The proposed bill could significantly impact how public information is accessed and governed in Texas. By allowing more stakeholders to initiate legal actions against governmental bodies, it creates an environment where compliance with transparency laws is more rigorously enforced. This is viewed as a positive change that strengthens public trust in governmental operations and promotes greater accountability. Informally, this could lead to an increase in the number of cases brought before the courts concerning open meetings and public information, potentially burdening the judicial system in addressing these claims.

Summary

SB1291 proposes to enhance the authority of certain individuals, including members of the media, to bring actions for declaratory judgments under the open meetings law and public information law in Texas. This amendment to the Government Code would allow individuals to seek judicial determination on whether governmental bodies are complying with existing laws or to interpret specific provisions of these laws. The bill aims to improve transparency in governmental operations, ensuring that citizens and the press can hold public entities accountable for compliance with state laws regarding public information and open meetings.

Contention

Despite its intentions, SB1291 may face contention regarding the implications for governmental bodies. Some stakeholders may argue that this bill could lead to frivolous lawsuits, disrupting the functionality of local governments and consuming resources that could otherwise be used for public service. Additionally, there might be concerns about the balance between necessary oversight and undue pressure on public entities, particularly if multiple lawsuits arise concerning information requests or interpretations of compliance. Therefore, the discussions around this bill are likely to focus on finding a balance that encourages transparency while protecting governmental operations from potential abuse of the legal process.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 551. Open Meetings
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 552. Public Information
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 3215
    • Section: 323

Companion Bills

TX HB5585

Identical Relating to the authority of certain persons to bring an action for declaratory judgment under the open meetings law or public information law regarding compliance or action by a governmental body.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1421

Relating to the effect of nuisance actions, other actions, and governmental requirements on certain agricultural operations.

TX HB2874

Relating to the assessment of litigation costs and attorney fees in certain lawsuits under the public information law.

TX SB2286

Relating to the assessment of litigation costs and attorney fees in certain lawsuits under the public information law.

TX HB613

Relating to the imposition of charges by a governmental body for providing copies of public information under the public information law.

TX HB3440

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

TX SB42

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

TX SB704

Relating to the capture and use of an individual's biometric identifiers, specimen, or genetic information by a governmental body or peace officer or by a person for commercial purposes; authorizing civil penalties.

TX HB2492

Relating to the disclosure of certain contracting information under the public information law.

TX SB680

Relating to the disclosure of certain contracting information under the public information law.

TX HB3750

Relating to venue and choice of law for certain actions involving censorship by social media platforms and to statutory damages in actions brought by social media users against social media platforms for prohibited censorship.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.