BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 511
By: Deuell
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, boards of regents are not required to permit public testimony from public at hearings. Students, alumni, and members of the community often would like to provide their views on how decisions of the boards affect them. S.B. 511 requires boards of regents to allow a reasonable amount of both written and oral testimony at their regular meetings.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter G, Chapter 51, Education Code, by adding Section 51.355, as follows:
Sec. 51.355. PUBLIC TESTIMONY AT CERTAIN MEETINGS OF GOVERNING BOARDS OF GENERAL ACADEMIC TEACHING INSTITUTIONS. Defines "general academic teaching institution." Requires the governing board of each general academic teaching institution or of a university system that includes one or more component general academic teaching institutions to adopt a policy that allows the public to present, for a reasonable amount of time and for any item on the agenda, both written and oral testimony at a regular meeting of the board. Requires the governing board to consider the public testimony presented to the board on an issue before making a decision on the issue.
SECTION 2. Requires the governing board of each general academic teaching institution or university system to adopt the policy required by Section 51.355, Education Code, as added by the Act, not later than October 1, 2005.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.