BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                             H.B. 364

                                                                                                                               By: Jones, Delwin

                                                                                                                                       State Affairs

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Presently county government is allowed to have "closed" meetings to discuss personal matters in reference to appointing advisory bodies.  House Bill 364 would allow municipalities the same authority.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

 

ANALYSIS

 

House Bill 364 amends the Government Code to exempt the governing body of a municipality from the open meeting requirement.  The exemption pertains to deliberations of appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a member of an advisory board, or hearing a complaint or charge against a member of an advisory body.  A commissioners court of a county can already exercise this exemption.  An individual who is the subject of the deliberation or hearing can request a public hearing.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.