SRC-JRN S.B. 1714 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1714 By: Patterson State Affairs 4-10-97 As Filed DIGEST The concept of charter schools was created in the 74th Legislature, wherein a private entity could contract with a school district to establish a school which determines its own course structure and curricula. Texas law does not provide parents with a method for observing or commenting on the decisions of a charter school's administration. This bill provides that a charter school may be included in the definition of a governmental body by allowing charter schools to be reviewed under the Open Records Act. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1714 provides that a charter school may be included in the definition of a governmental body by allowing charter schools to be reviewed under the Open Records Act. 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 Section 552.003(1), Government Code, to redefine "governmental board," to include a charter school. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.