Honorable Gary Elkins, Chair, House Committee on Government Transparency & Operation
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1530 by Workman (Relating to the publication of required notice by a political subdivision in media other than a newspaper.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code allowing a political subdivision to publish a notice required by law including on an Internet website or an Internet newspaper.
The bill would take effect immediately if the bill receives a two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise the bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
Local Government Impact
According to the Texas Association of Counties the bill would result in cost savings to counties. Counties reported the following spending amounts for election notices in newspapers: a) Bexar County estimates savings of $47,000 per election; b) Fort Bend County spent $25,000 on election notices; c) Hunt County expended $3,200 on the general election and $10,000 on a bond proposal; and. d) Webb County expended $1,100 on the general election.