BILL ANALYSIS
By: Wentworth
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Under current law, the attendance of a quorum of a governmental body at a social function unrelated to the business conducted by the body, or at a regional, state, or national convention or workshop is not considered a meeting under the Texas Open Meetings Act so long as no formal action is taken by the body and any discussion of public business is incidental to the social function, convention, or workshop. However, the types of social functions contemplated by the Texas Open Meetings Act are not clearly defined.
Senate Bill 1306 would clarify existing law to include ceremonial events and press conferences within the exceptions to meetings under the Texas Open Meetings Act. This clarification provides that no formal action may be taken at these events, in conformance with the current requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act.
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
Senate Bill 1306 amends the Government Code to clarify the type of social functions which would not be subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act if attended by a quorum of a governmental body. The bill provides that the term "meeting" does not include attendance at a ceremonial event or press conference by a quorum of a governmental body. The bill further restricts the governmental body from taking any formal action at such events, in conformance with the current requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.