BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	S.B. 411
87R3176 MEW-F	By: West
	Education
	4/13/2021
	As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

It has been noted that some charter holders operate networks of open-enrollment charter schools across Texas. There are concerns about a potential lack of transparency for open meetings held by the governing body of such a charter holder because the meeting location may be far away from a charter school campus location, which can make attendance difficult.

 

S.B. 411 seeks to ensure that parents of charter school students and other concerned parties have adequate access to open meetings held by the governing body of a charter holder or charter school.

 

As proposed, S.B. 411 amends current law relating to open meetings of the governing body of a charter holder and the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school.

 

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 Section 12.1051, Education Code, by adding Subsection (c), as follows:

 

(c) Requires the governing body of a charter holder and the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school to:

 

(1) hold each open meeting within the geographical area served by the school; and

 

(2) in the manner prescribed by Section 551.128 (Internet Broadcast of Open Meeting), Government Code, broadcast the open meeting over the Internet if the school includes campuses that are located in noncontiguous municipalities.

 

SECTION 2. Makes the application of this Act prospective.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September, 1 2021.