BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 849

By: Vasut

Intergovernmental Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

State open meetings law currently authorizes state governmental bodies and governmental bodies extending into three or more counties to hold meetings by videoconference call. H.B. 849 seeks to extend this authorization to county boards of park commissioners in order to enhance their flexibility in scheduling and conducting meetings, improve accessibility for board members and the public, and ensure the continuity of operations, especially in situations where in-person gatherings may be challenging.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 849 amends the Government Code to include a county board of park commissioners among the governmental bodies authorized to hold a meeting by videoconference call if the member of the body presiding over the meeting is physically present at one location of the meeting that is open to the public during the open portions of the meeting. The bill's provisions apply only to a meeting held on or after the bill's effective date.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.