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.