SRC-JRN S.B. 839 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 839
By: Bivins
State Affairs
3-13-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, no state law authorizes a governmental body to hold a meeting
by videoconference call. However, state boards and commissions are allowed
to hold open or closed meetings via telephone conference call under
certain circumstances.  This bill allows a governmental body to hold a
meeting via videoconference. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 839 allows a governmental body to hold a meeting via
videoconference. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 551F, Government Code, as follows:

SUBCHAPTER F.  New heading:  MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CALL
OR VIDEOCONFERENCE CALL

SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 551F, Government Code, by adding Section
551.126, as follows: 

Sec. 551.126. VIDEOCONFERENCE CALL.  Provides that this chapter does not
prohibit a governmental body from holding an open or closed meeting by
videoconference call, except as otherwise provided by this section.
Provides that a meeting held by videoconference call is subject to the
notice requirements applicable to other meetings in addition to the notice
requirement prescribed by this section.  Requires the notice of a meeting
to be held by videoconference call to specify as the location of the
meeting, the location where meetings of the governmental body are usually
held.  Requires each part of the meeting held by videoconference call that
is required to be open to the public to be visible and audible to the
public at the location specified in the notice of the meeting. Requires
the governmental body to make at least an audio recording of the meeting
and to make the recording available to the public.  Requires the location
specified under Subsection (c) to have two-way audio and video
communications with each participant in the meeting during the entire
meeting.  Requires the presiding officer to identify each member
participating in the meeting, on convening the meeting.  

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997.
 Makes application of this Act prospective. 

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.