Texas Senate Bill SB50

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24

Caption

Relating to maintenance and production of electronic public information under the public information law.

Impact

The bill proposes amendments to the Government Code, reinforcing the definition of 'public information' to include electronic communications that are part of official business. It further mandates that governmental bodies cannot use complex electronic systems as an excuse to deny access to public records. Instead, they are required to provide information in formats specified by the requestor, as long as it is feasible within the existing technology used by the governmental body. This significantly strengthens public access rights and may lead to increased accountability of government records.

Summary

Senate Bill 50 is aimed at enhancing the maintenance and production of electronic public information under Texas public information law. This bill seeks to ensure that electronic records maintained by governmental bodies are accessible to the public in formats that are either searchable or sortable. By establishing clear guidelines regarding how such information should be handled and provided to requestors, SB50 aims to improve transparency and access to public information, acknowledging the importance of electronic data in modern governance.

Contention

While SB50 appears straightforward in its intent, it could generate debate regarding the feasibility of compliance for governmental bodies. Critics might argue that several smaller or less technologically equipped entities could face challenges in adapting to the mandates set forth in the bill. Additionally, the implications of possible increased demand for transparency in areas that might have previously operated under less oversight could lead to pushback from some government officials who may view these changes as burdensome or invasive to their operations.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 552. Public Information
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 231

Local Government Code

• Chapter 118. Fees Charged By County Officers
  • Section: 011