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.