BILL ANALYSIS C.S.H.B. 2508 By: Hunter, B. 5-6-95 Committee Report (Substituted) BACKGROUND Currently, some governmental bodies are allowed to conduct open or closed meetings through the use of a conference call. The procedures for meeting by telephone are outlined in Chapter 551 of the Government Code. PURPOSE HB 2508 allows governmental bodies no otherwise restricted to hold open or closed meetings by telephone conference call. 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. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter F, Chapter 551, Government Code, by adding SECTION 551.125 which allows for the use of telephone conference calls for open or closed meetings in certain circumstances. This section establishes guidelines for the conference call. Also, this section grants advisory boards the option of meeting by phone. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage. COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE The substitute adds advisory boards to those eligible to utilize conference calling. The substitute also adds the language, "an emergency or public necessity exists within the meaning of 551.045 of this chapter" when describing when a meeting by conference call may be held. The substitute also adds language requiring two-way communication throughout the entire phone call and the identification of each person prior to speaking. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION Pursuant to a public posting, the House State Affairs Committee met in Public Hearing on May 1, 1995. The chair laid out HB 2508. The chair left HB 2508 pending. HB 2508 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on May 2, 1995. The committee considered a complete substitute for the bill which was not adopted. The chair left HB 2508 pending. HB 2508 was considered by the committee in a formal meeting on May 4, 1995. The Chair laid out HB 2508. The committee considered a complete substitute for the bill which was adopted without objection. The bill was reported favorably as substituted with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars by a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nay, 0 PNV, 2 absent.