Honorable Gary Elkins, Chair, House Committee on Government Transparency & Operation
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB793 by Capriglione (Relating to the definition of a governmental body for the purposes of the public information law.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 552 of the Government Code, regarding public information, to change the circumstances under which a part, section, or portion of an organization, corporation, commission, committee, institution, or agency is included within the definition of "governmental body" for purposes of the public information law.
The bill would take effect on September 1, 2017.
The Office of Attorney General (OAG) states that the bill could increase the number of requests for public information law rulings that it receives. OAG also states that the bill could increase the number of cases resulting from referrals from other state agencies who may want to intervene in or bring an action pursuant to the public information law's provisions pertaining to lawsuits seeking to withhold information; and the number of cases that may require legal work pertaining to the public information law. OAG anticipates that any legal work or technology fiscal implication resulting from the passage of the bill could be reasonably absorbed within current agency resources.
Local Government Impact
According to the Texas Association of Counties, there is no fiscal impact to counties to implement the provisions of the bill.