Honorable Gary Elkins, Chair, House Committee on Government Transparency & Operation
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3203 by Fallon (Relating to recordings of meetings of certain governmental bodies; creating offenses.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code, Education Code, Health and Safety Code and Transportation Code requiring certain governmental entities to make an internet archive of recorded open meetings. If certain government entities knowingly fail to record or archive an open meeting the member of the government body commits a Class C misdemeanor.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
Local Government Impact
According to the Texas Municipal League, there are 49 cities that would be required to make a video recording. The cost could be significant if the cities are required to contract with a vendor to make a video recording and archive every meeting.
A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. Costs associated with enforcement and prosecution could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact. In addition to the fine, punishment can include up to 180 days of deferred disposition.