BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	S.B. 79
85R2797 SRS-D	By: Nelson
	Business & Commerce
	2/15/2017
	As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Currently, political subdivisions like cities and counties may direct requestors of public information to a website if the information already exists online. However, state agencies must provide original copies for inspection, make duplications, and/or send the information by first class mail, all of which expend valuable time and resources.

 

S.B. 79 streamlines access to public information by allowing state agencies to respond to information requests with an Internet address where requested information may already exist.

 

As proposed, S.B. 79 amends current law relating to the production of public information available on a publicly accessible website.

 

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 Sections 552.221(b-1) and (b-2), Government Code, as follows:

 

(b-1) Changes references from a political subdivision of this state to a governmental body in regards to public information maintained on a website.

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(b-2) Makes conforming changes.

 

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2017.