Bill > SB2113

This bill establishes a special right of access to public information for members of governing boards under the Texas Public Information Law. The bill defines a "member of a governing board" as an individual appointed, designated, or elected to direct or serve on a board governing a governmental or nongovernmental entity, such as a municipal governing body or county commissioner. Under this new law, such board members can inspect, duplicate, or request public information related to their official capacity, and these requests must be fulfilled promptly and without charge. If the requested information contains confidential elements, those portions can be redacted at no cost. The bill also allows governmental bodies to request that board members sign a confidentiality agreement for sensitive information, with specific provisions about how such information must be handled. Additionally, the bill provides a mechanism for board members to seek an attorney general's opinion if there is a dispute about the confidentiality of information, and allows for potential legal action through a writ of mandamus if an entity fails to comply with the law's requirements. The provisions do not replace existing methods of obtaining information under other laws and are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2113