BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 758 89R708 TJB-D By: Middleton Business & Commerce 3/25/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Chapter 552 of the Government Code makes it clear that the people of Texas have a right to be informed of the affairs of governmental bodies in the state. Access to public information in a timely manner is critical to ensuring that Texans are well-informed and retain control over their government institutions. As such, governmental bodies are subject to public information disclosures. Section 552.003(1) of the Government Code defines what constitutes a "governmental body." Concerns have been raised that this definition does not include certain statewide associations or organizations that are composed of political subdivisions funded through taxpayer dollars. These associations or organizations are not subject to public information disclosure laws, keeping taxpayers in the dark and unable to obtain access to vital records. S.B. 758 seeks to remedy this by amending the definition of "governmental body" to include nonprofit state associations or organizations primarily composed of similarly situated political subdivisions, subjecting these entities to public information disclosure. As proposed, S.B. 758 amends current law relating to the definition of a governmental body for the purposes of the public information law. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 552.003(1), Government Code, to redefine "governmental body" to include a nonprofit state association or organization primarily composed of similarly situated political subdivisions SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 758
89R708 TJB-D By: Middleton
Business & Commerce
3/25/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 758
89R708 TJB-D
By: Middleton
Business & Commerce
3/25/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Chapter 552 of the Government Code makes it clear that the people of Texas have a right to be informed of the affairs of governmental bodies in the state. Access to public information in a timely manner is critical to ensuring that Texans are well-informed and retain control over their government institutions. As such, governmental bodies are subject to public information disclosures. Section 552.003(1) of the Government Code defines what constitutes a "governmental body." Concerns have been raised that this definition does not include certain statewide associations or organizations that are composed of political subdivisions funded through taxpayer dollars. These associations or organizations are not subject to public information disclosure laws, keeping taxpayers in the dark and unable to obtain access to vital records.
S.B. 758 seeks to remedy this by amending the definition of "governmental body" to include nonprofit state associations or organizations primarily composed of similarly situated political subdivisions, subjecting these entities to public information disclosure.
As proposed, S.B. 758 amends current law relating to the definition of a governmental body for the purposes of the public information law.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 552.003(1), Government Code, to redefine "governmental body" to include a nonprofit state association or organization primarily composed of similarly situated political subdivisions
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.