SRC-PNG H.B. 595 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 595 76R7680 JRD-DBy: Maxey (Wentworth) State Affairs 5/4/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, under Texas law, testing committees and other entities that approve the contents of licensing examinations are required to deliberate a test item and information relating to a test item in an open meeting. Thus, potential test-takers may obtain advance access to test questions. This bill would allow testing committees and other entities that approve the contents of a licensing examination to deliberate a test item or information relating to a test item in a closed session. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 595 allows testing committees and other entities that approve the contents of a licensing examination to deliberate a test item or information relating to a test item in a closed session. 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 551D, Government Code, by adding Section 551.086, as follows: Sec. 551.086. DELIBERATION REGARDING TEST ITEM. Provides that a governmental body is not required to conduct an open meeting to deliberate a test item or information related to a test item if the governmental body believes that it may be included in a test administered by the governmental body to an individual seeking to obtain or renew a license or certificate that is necessary to engage in an activity. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.