Honorable Kevin Eltife, Chair, Senate Committee on Business & Commerce
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1237 by Taylor, Van (Relating to Internet broadcasts of open meetings held by the policy board of a metropolitan planning organization.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Transportation Code to require a metropolitan planning organization to broadcast certain meetings over the Internet and archive such meetings on their website.
Local Government Impact
There would be costs associated with the provisions of the bill, including the upgrading of camera equipment, possible contract for services, and addition of technical services. Depending on the size and resources of each individual metropolitan planning organization, these costs could be significant.
The North Central Texas Council of Government reported board meetings are already recorded and the video is provided within 24 hours of the meeting online and archived for several years; however at times, a meeting is held offsite, causing an increase of costs associated with the provisions of the bill.
The Texarkana Metropolitan Planning Organization reported costs associated with implementing the bill would be moderate.
The Lubbock Metropolitan Planning Organization reported costs associated with implementing the bill would be significant for FY 2016 and moderate for FY 2017 through FY 2020.