Honorable Gary Elkins, Chair, House Committee on Government Transparency & Operation
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3997 by Elkins (Relating to prosecution of violations of the open meetings law and the open records law.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code to provide the Office of the Attorney General prosecutorial authority for certain open meeting and public information violations if the district or county attorney declines to prosecute. The bill would take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote in each house. Otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2015.
The Office of the Attorney General indicated the costs associated with implementation of the bill could be absorbed with existing resources.
Local Government Impact
The fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined at this time