AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
As proposed, S.B. 677 amends current law relating to the enforcement of the public information law and provides for the imposition of a civil penalty.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends the heading to Section 552.3215, Government Code, to read as follows:
Sec. 552.3215. DECLARATORY JUDGMENT, INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, OR CIVIL PENALTY.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 552.3215, Government Code, by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (b-1) and (1), as follows:
(b) Authorizes an action for a declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, or a civil penalty to be brought in accordance with this section against a governmental body that violates this chapter.
(b-1) Provides that a governmental body that violates this chapter is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each violation. Provides that each day the violation continues is considered a separate violation. Makes a nonsubstantive change.
(1) Requires a civil penalty collected under this section to be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the general revenue fund.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2011.