SRC-ARR S.B. 1149 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1149 76R9133 JD-DBy: Wentworth State Affairs 3/23/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, Texas law is unclear as to whether the Open Meetings Act applies to informal meetings, such as staff briefings. At least one state board has conducted its deliberations as part of staff briefings that are closed to the public. S.B. 1149 amends the open meeting law to clarify the definition of "meeting" to include certain staff briefings. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1149 redefines the open meeting law to apply to certain gatherings at which a governmental body receives information from third persons, including government employees. 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 551.001(4), Government Code, to redefine "meeting." SECTION 2. Repealer: Section 551.075, Government Code (Conference With Employees; Closed Meeting). Effective date: 90 days upon passage.