TX
Texas Senate Bill SB415

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB415

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

Caption

Relating to the authority of a governmental body to require certain persons to sign a confidentiality agreement in response to a request for public information for legislative purposes under the public information law.

Impact

The implementation of SB415 aims to enhance transparency in the legislative process by setting clear guidelines on how confidentiality agreements should be handled. By requiring timely notice to legislators, it ensures that they are informed about any confidentiality conditions that might hinder access to information pertinent to the legislative functions. This change is expected to have significant implications for the relationship between governmental bodies and legislative members, promoting greater accountability.

Summary

Senate Bill 415 (SB415) seeks to amend the Texas Government Code to clarify the authority of governmental bodies in requiring confidentiality agreements regarding public information requests for legislative purposes. The bill introduces specific protocols that governmental bodies must follow when notifying legislators about confidentiality agreements related to information requests. It mandates that government entities provide written notice to the requesting legislative members within five business days if they intend to impose such agreements.

Contention

Amending the Government Code introduces a potential point of contention regarding the balance between confidentiality and public access to information. Critics might argue that while the bill intends to protect sensitive information, it could also be perceived as a tool for governmental bodies to limit transparency. The parameters established in the bill—especially the provisions on notification and timeframes—could become focal points of debate, particularly regarding how they align with the broader objectives of open government and public scrutiny.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 552. Public Information
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB44

Relating to a governmental body's response to a request for public information.

TX SB1579

Relating to procedures under the public information law, including expedited responses and charges for bad faith requests.

TX HB3167

Relating to requests made under the public information law that require a large amount of personnel time.

TX SB933

Relating to the definition of a governmental body for the purposes of 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 SB1246

Relating to authorized investments of public money by certain governmental entities and the confidentiality of certain information related to those investments.

TX HB3033

Relating to the public information law.

TX HB4710

Relating to allowing a governmental body to combine multiple requests submitted by separate individuals on behalf of an organization for purposes of computing charges under the public information law.

TX SB43

Relating to business days for purposes of the public information law.

TX HB2492

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.