reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 550 - Human Services and Other Social Services Provided Through Faith- and Community-Based Organizations › Subchapter E. Community-Based Navigator Program › Section 550.0252. Establishment of Community-Based Navigator Program

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 550.0252.  ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNITY-BASED NAVIGATOR PROGRAM.  (a)  The commission shall establish a statewide community-based navigator program if the executive commissioner determines the program can be established and operated using existing resources and without disrupting other commission functions.
(b)  Under the statewide community-based navigator program, the commission will train and certify as navigators volunteers and other representatives of faith- and community-based organizations.  The navigators will assist individuals applying or seeking to apply online for public assistance benefits through the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System (TIERS) or any other electronic eligibility system that is linked to or made a part of that system.
(c)  In establishing the navigator program, the commission:
(1)  shall solicit the expertise and assistance of interested persons, including faith- and community-based organizations; and
(2)  may establish a work group or other temporary, informal group of interested persons to provide input and assistance.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 550 - Human Services and Other Social Services Provided Through Faith- and Community-Based Organizations › Subchapter E. Community-Based Navigator Program › Section 550.0253. Program Standards

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 550.0253.  PROGRAM STANDARDS.  The executive commissioner shall adopt standards to implement this subchapter, including standards:
(1)  subject to Section 550.0254, regarding the qualifications and training required for navigator certification;
(2)  regarding the suspension, revocation, and, if appropriate, periodic renewal of a navigator certificate;
(3)  to protect the confidentiality of applicant information handled by navigators; and
(4)  regarding any other issues the executive commissioner determines are appropriate.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 550 - Human Services and Other Social Services Provided Through Faith- and Community-Based Organizations › Subchapter E. Community-Based Navigator Program › Section 550.0254. Navigator Training Program

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 550.0254.  NAVIGATOR TRAINING PROGRAM.  The commission shall develop and administer a navigator training program that includes training on:
(1)  the manner of completing an online application for public assistance benefits through the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System (TIERS);
(2)  the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of information a navigator handles;
(3)  the importance of obtaining and submitting complete and accurate information when completing an application for public assistance benefits online through the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System (TIERS);
(4)  the financial assistance program, the supplemental nutrition assistance program, Medicaid, the child health plan program, and any other public assistance benefits program for which an individual may complete an online application through the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System (TIERS); and
(5)  the method by which an individual may apply for other public assistance benefits for which the individual may not complete an online application through the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System (TIERS).
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 550 - Human Services and Other Social Services Provided Through Faith- and Community-Based Organizations › Subchapter E. Community-Based Navigator Program › Section 550.0255. Certified Navigator List

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 550.0255.  CERTIFIED NAVIGATOR LIST.  The commission shall publish and maintain on the commission's Internet website a list of certified navigators.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 551.0015. Certain Property Owners' Associations Subject to Law

Sec. 551.0015.  CERTAIN PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATIONS SUBJECT TO LAW.
(a)  A property owners' association is subject to this chapter in the same manner as a governmental body:
(1)  if:
(A)  membership in the property owners' association is mandatory for owners or for a defined class of owners of private real property in a defined geographic area in a county with a population of 2.8 million or more or in a county adjacent to a county with a population of 2.8 million or more;
(B)  the property owners' association has the power to make mandatory special assessments for capital improvements or mandatory regular assessments;  and
(C)  the amount of the mandatory special or regular assessments is or has ever been based in whole or in part on the value at which the state or a local governmental body assesses the property for purposes of ad valorem taxation under Section 20, Article VIII, Texas Constitution; or
(2)  if the property owners' association:
(A)  provides maintenance, preservation, and architectural control of residential and commercial property within a defined geographic area in a county with a population of 2.8 million or more or in a county adjacent to a county with a population of 2.8 million or more; and
(B)  is a corporation that:
(i)  is governed by a board of trustees who may employ a general manager to execute the association's bylaws and administer the business of the corporation;
(ii)  does not require membership in the corporation by the owners of the property within the defined area; and
(iii)  was incorporated before January 1, 2006.
(b)  The governing body of the association, a committee of the association, and members of the governing body or of a committee of the association are subject to this chapter in the same manner as the governing body of a governmental body, a committee of a governmental body, and members of the governing body or of a committee of the governmental body.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1084, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1367 (H.B. 3674), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 551.002. Open Meetings Requirement

Sec. 551.002.  OPEN MEETINGS REQUIREMENT.  Every regular, special, or called meeting of a governmental body shall be open to the public, except as provided by this chapter.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 551.003. Legislature

Sec. 551.003.  LEGISLATURE.  In this chapter, the legislature is exercising its powers to adopt rules to prohibit secret meetings of the legislature, committees of the legislature, and other bodies associated with the legislature, except as specifically permitted in the constitution.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 551.0035. Attendance by Governmental Body at Legislative Committee or Agency Meeting

Sec. 551.0035.  ATTENDANCE BY GOVERNMENTAL BODY AT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE OR AGENCY MEETING.  (a)  This section applies only to the attendance by a quorum of a governmental body at a meeting of a committee or agency of the legislature.  This section does not apply to attendance at the meeting by members of the legislative committee or agency holding the meeting.
(b)  The attendance by a quorum of a governmental body at a meeting of a committee or agency of the legislature is not considered to be a meeting of that governmental body if the deliberations at the meeting by the members of that governmental body consist only of publicly testifying at the meeting, publicly commenting at the meeting, and publicly responding at the meeting to a question asked by a member of the legislative committee or agency.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 447, Sec. 1, eff. June 4, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 551.004. Open Meetings Required by Charter

Sec. 551.004.  OPEN MEETINGS REQUIRED BY CHARTER.  This chapter does not authorize a governmental body to close a meeting that a charter of the governmental body:
(1)  prohibits from being closed;  or
(2)  requires to be open.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 551.006. Written Electronic Communications Accessible to Public

Sec. 551.006.  WRITTEN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS ACCESSIBLE TO PUBLIC.  (a)  A communication or exchange of information between members of a governmental body about public business or public policy over which the governmental body has supervision or control does not constitute a meeting or deliberation for purposes of this chapter if:
(1)  the communication is in writing;
(2)  the writing is posted to an online message board or similar Internet application that is viewable and searchable by the public; and
(3)  the communication is displayed in real time and displayed on the online message board or similar Internet application for no less than 30 days after the communication is first posted.
(b)  A governmental body may have no more than one online message board or similar Internet application to be used for the purposes described in Subsection (a).  The online message board or similar Internet application must be owned or controlled by the governmental body, prominently displayed on the governmental body's primary Internet web page, and no more than one click away from the governmental body's primary Internet web page.
(c)  The online message board or similar Internet application described in Subsection (a) may only be used by members of the governmental body or staff members of the governmental body who have received specific authorization from a member of the governmental body.  In the event that a staff member posts a communication to the online message board or similar Internet application, the name and title of the staff member must be posted along with the communication.
(d)  If a governmental body removes from the online message board or similar Internet application a communication that has been posted for at least 30 days, the governmental body shall maintain the posting for a period of six years.  This communication is public information and must be disclosed in accordance with Chapter 552.
(e)  The governmental body may not vote or take any action that is required to be taken at a meeting under this chapter of the governmental body by posting a communication to the online message board or similar Internet application.  In no event shall a communication or posting to the online message board or similar Internet application be construed to be an action of the governmental body.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 685 (H.B. 2414), Sec. 3, eff. June 14, 2013.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1201 (S.B. 1297), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 551.007. Public Testimony

Sec. 551.007.  PUBLIC TESTIMONY.  (a)  This section applies only to a governmental body described by Sections 551.001(3)(B)-(L).
(b)  A governmental body shall allow each member of the public who desires to address the body regarding an item on an agenda for an open meeting of the body to address the body regarding the item at the meeting before or during the body's consideration of the item.
(c)  A governmental body may adopt reasonable rules regarding the public's right to address the body under this section, including rules that limit the total amount of time that a member of the public may address the body on a given item.
(d)  This subsection applies only if a governmental body does not use simultaneous translation equipment in a manner that allows the body to hear the translated public testimony simultaneously.  A rule adopted under Subsection (c) that limits the amount of time that a member of the public may address the governmental body must provide that a member of the public who addresses the body through a translator must be given at least twice the amount of time as a member of the public who does not require the assistance of a translator in order to ensure that non-English speakers receive the same opportunity to address the body.
(e)  A governmental body may not prohibit public criticism of the governmental body, including criticism of any act, omission, policy, procedure, program, or service. This subsection does not apply to public criticism that is otherwise prohibited by law.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 2840), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter B. Record of Open Meeting › Section 551.021. Minutes or Recording of Open Meeting Required

Sec. 551.021.  MINUTES OR RECORDING OF OPEN MEETING REQUIRED.  (a)  A governmental body shall prepare and keep minutes or make a recording of each open meeting of the body.
(b)  The minutes must:
(1)  state the subject of each deliberation;  and
(2)  indicate each vote, order, decision, or other action taken.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 471), Sec. 2, eff. May 18, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 471), Sec. 3, eff. May 18, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter B. Record of Open Meeting › Section 551.022. Minutes and Recordings of Open Meeting: Public Record

Sec. 551.022.  MINUTES AND RECORDINGS OF OPEN MEETING:  PUBLIC RECORD.  The minutes and recordings of an open meeting are public records and shall be available for public inspection and copying on request to the governmental body's chief administrative officer or the officer's designee.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 471), Sec. 4, eff. May 18, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter B. Record of Open Meeting › Section 551.023. Recording of Meeting by Person in Attendance

Sec. 551.023.  RECORDING OF MEETING BY PERSON IN ATTENDANCE.  (a)  A person in attendance may record all or any part of an open meeting of a governmental body by means of a recorder, video camera, or other means of aural or visual reproduction.
(b)  A governmental body may adopt reasonable rules to maintain order at a meeting, including rules relating to:
(1)  the location of recording equipment;  and
(2)  the manner in which the recording is conducted.
(c)  A rule adopted under Subsection (b) may not prevent or unreasonably impair a person from exercising a right granted under Subsection (a).
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 471), Sec. 5, eff. May 18, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.041. Notice of Meeting Required

Sec. 551.041.  NOTICE OF MEETING REQUIRED.  A governmental body shall give written notice of the date, hour, place, and subject of each meeting held by the governmental body.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.0411. Meeting Notice Requirements in Certain Circumstances

Sec. 551.0411.  MEETING NOTICE REQUIREMENTS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.  (a)  Section 551.041 does not require a governmental body that recesses an open meeting to the following regular business day to post notice of the continued meeting if the action is taken in good faith and not to circumvent this chapter.  If an open meeting is continued to the following regular business day and, on that following day, the governmental body continues the meeting to another day, the governmental body must give written notice as required by this subchapter of the meeting continued to that other day.
(b)  A governmental body that is prevented from convening an open meeting that was otherwise properly posted under Section 551.041 because of a catastrophe may convene the meeting in a convenient location within 72 hours pursuant to Section 551.045 if the action is taken in good faith and not to circumvent this chapter.  If the governmental body is unable to convene the open meeting within those 72 hours, the governmental body may subsequently convene the meeting only if the governmental body gives written notice of the meeting as required by this subchapter.
(c)  In this section, "catastrophe" means a condition or occurrence that interferes physically with the ability of a governmental body to conduct a meeting, including:
(1)  fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, or wind, rain, or snow storm;
(2)  power failure, transportation failure, or interruption of communication facilities;
(3)  epidemic; or
(4)  riot, civil disturbance, enemy attack, or other actual or threatened act of lawlessness or violence.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 325 (S.B. 690), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.0415. Governing Body of Municipality or County: Reports About Items of Community Interest Regarding Which No Action Will Be Taken

Sec. 551.0415.  GOVERNING BODY OF MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY:  REPORTS ABOUT ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST REGARDING WHICH NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN.  (a)  Notwithstanding Sections 551.041 and 551.042, a quorum of the governing body of a municipality or county may receive from staff of the political subdivision and a member of the governing body may make a report about items of community interest during a meeting of the governing body without having given notice of the subject of the report as required by this subchapter if no action is taken and, except as provided by Section 551.042, possible action is not discussed regarding the information provided in the report.
(b)  For purposes of Subsection (a), "items of community interest" includes:
(1)  expressions of thanks, congratulations, or condolence;
(2)  information regarding holiday schedules;
(3)  an honorary or salutary recognition of a public official, public employee, or other citizen, except that a discussion regarding a change in the status of a person's public office or public employment is not an honorary or salutary recognition for purposes of this subdivision;
(4)  a reminder about an upcoming event organized or sponsored by the governing body;
(5)  information regarding a social, ceremonial, or community event organized or sponsored by an entity other than the governing body that was attended or is scheduled to be attended by a member of the governing body or an official or employee of the political subdivision; and
(6)  announcements involving an imminent threat to the public health and safety of people in the political subdivision that has arisen after the posting of the agenda.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1377 (S.B. 1182), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1007 (H.B. 2313), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1341 (S.B. 1233), Sec. 14, eff. June 17, 2011.
Reenacted and amended by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 161 (S.B. 1093), Sec. 9.013, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.042. Inquiry Made at Meeting

Sec. 551.042.  INQUIRY MADE AT MEETING.  (a)  If, at a meeting of a governmental body, a member of the public or of the governmental body inquires about a subject for which notice has not been given as required by this subchapter, the notice provisions of this subchapter do not apply to:
(1)  a statement of specific factual information given in response to the inquiry;  or
(2)  a recitation of existing policy in response to the inquiry.
(b)  Any deliberation of or decision about the subject of the inquiry shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on the agenda for a subsequent meeting.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.043. Time and Accessibility of Notice; General Rule

Sec. 551.043.  TIME AND ACCESSIBILITY OF NOTICE; GENERAL RULE.  (a)  The notice of a meeting of a governmental body must be posted in a place readily accessible to the general public at all times for at least 72 hours before the scheduled time of the meeting, except as provided by Sections 551.044-551.046.
(b)  If this chapter specifically requires or allows a governmental body to post notice of a meeting on the Internet:
(1)  the governmental body satisfies the requirement that the notice must be posted in a place readily accessible to the general public at all times by making a good-faith attempt to continuously post the notice on the Internet during the prescribed period;
(2)  the governmental body must still comply with any duty imposed by this chapter to physically post the notice at a particular location; and
(3)  if the governmental body makes a good-faith attempt to continuously post the notice on the Internet during the prescribed period, the notice physically posted at the location prescribed by this chapter must be readily accessible to the general public during normal business hours.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 624 (H.B. 2381), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.044. Exception to General Rule: Governmental Body With Statewide Jurisdiction

Sec. 551.044.  EXCEPTION TO GENERAL RULE:  GOVERNMENTAL BODY WITH STATEWIDE JURISDICTION.  (a)  The secretary of state must post notice on the Internet of a meeting of a state board, commission, department, or officer having statewide jurisdiction for at least seven days before the day of the meeting.  The secretary of state shall provide during regular office hours a computer terminal at a place convenient to the public in the office of the secretary of state that members of the public may use to view notices of meetings posted by the secretary of state.
(b)  Subsection (a) does not apply to:
(1)  the Texas Department of Insurance, as regards proceedings and activities under Title 5, Labor Code, of the department, the commissioner of insurance, or the commissioner of workers' compensation; or
(2)  the governing board of an institution of higher education.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 622, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 265 (H.B. 7), Sec. 6.006, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.045. Exception to General Rule: Notice of Emergency Meeting or Emergency Addition to Agenda

Sec. 551.045.  EXCEPTION TO GENERAL RULE:  NOTICE OF EMERGENCY MEETING OR EMERGENCY ADDITION TO AGENDA.  (a)  In an emergency or when there is an urgent public necessity, the notice of a meeting to deliberate or take action on the emergency or urgent public necessity, or the supplemental notice to add the deliberation or taking of action on the emergency or urgent public necessity as an item to the agenda for a meeting for which notice has been posted in accordance with this subchapter, is sufficient if the notice or supplemental notice is posted for at least one hour before the meeting is convened.
(a-1)  A governmental body may not deliberate or take action on a matter at a meeting for which notice or supplemental notice is posted under Subsection (a) other than:
(1)  a matter directly related to responding to the emergency or urgent public necessity identified in the notice or supplemental notice of the meeting as provided by Subsection (c); or
(2)  an agenda item listed on a notice of the meeting before the supplemental notice was posted.
(b)  An emergency or an urgent public necessity exists only if immediate action is required of a governmental body because of:
(1)  an imminent threat to public health and safety, including a threat described by Subdivision (2) if imminent; or
(2)  a reasonably unforeseeable situation, including:
(A)  fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, or wind, rain, or snow storm;
(B)  power failure, transportation failure, or interruption of communication facilities;
(C)  epidemic; or
(D)  riot, civil disturbance, enemy attack, or other actual or threatened act of lawlessness or violence.
(c)  The governmental body shall clearly identify the emergency or urgent public necessity in the notice or supplemental notice under this section.
(d)  A person who is designated or authorized to post notice of a meeting by a governmental body under this subchapter shall post the notice taking at face value the governmental body's stated reason for the emergency or urgent public necessity.
(e)  For purposes of Subsection (b)(2), the sudden relocation of a large number of residents from the area of a declared disaster to a governmental body's jurisdiction is considered a reasonably unforeseeable situation for a reasonable period immediately following the relocation.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 258 (S.B. 11), Sec. 3.06, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1325 (S.B. 1499), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 462 (S.B. 494), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.046. Exception to General Rule: Committee of Legislature

Sec. 551.046.  EXCEPTION TO GENERAL RULE:  COMMITTEE OF LEGISLATURE.  The notice of a legislative committee meeting shall be as provided by the rules of the house of representatives or of the senate.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.047. Special Notice to News Media of Emergency Meeting or Emergency Addition to Agenda

Sec. 551.047.  SPECIAL NOTICE TO NEWS MEDIA OF EMERGENCY MEETING OR EMERGENCY ADDITION TO AGENDA.  (a)  The presiding officer of a governmental body, or the member of a governmental body who calls an emergency meeting of the governmental body or adds an emergency item to the agenda of a meeting of the governmental body, shall notify the news media of the emergency meeting or emergency item as required by this section.
(b)  The presiding officer or member is required to notify only those members of the news media that have previously:
(1)  filed at the headquarters of the governmental body a request containing all pertinent information for the special notice;  and
(2)  agreed to reimburse the governmental body for the cost of providing the special notice.
(c)  The presiding officer or member shall give the notice by telephone, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail at least one hour before the meeting is convened.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 380 (S.B. 592), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 462 (S.B. 494), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.048. State Governmental Body: Notice to Secretary of State; Place of Posting Notice

Sec. 551.048.  STATE GOVERNMENTAL BODY:  NOTICE TO SECRETARY OF STATE;  PLACE OF POSTING NOTICE.  (a)  A state governmental body shall provide notice of each meeting to the secretary of state.
(b)  The secretary of state shall post the notice on the Internet.  The secretary of state shall provide during regular office hours a computer terminal at a place convenient to the public in the office of the secretary of state that members of the public may use to view the notice.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 622, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.049. County Governmental Body: Place of Posting Notice

Sec. 551.049.  COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL BODY:  PLACE OF POSTING NOTICE.  A county governmental body shall post notice of each meeting on a bulletin board at a place convenient to the public in the county courthouse.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.050. Municipal Governmental Body: Place of Posting Notice

Sec. 551.050.  MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTAL BODY: PLACE OF POSTING NOTICE.  (a)  In this section, "electronic bulletin board" means an electronic communication system that includes a perpetually illuminated screen on which the governmental body can post messages or notices viewable without manipulation by the public.
(b)  A municipal governmental body shall post notice of each meeting on a physical or electronic bulletin board at a place convenient to the public in the city hall.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1007 (H.B. 2313), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.0501. Joint Board: Place of Posting Notice

Sec. 551.0501.  JOINT BOARD:  PLACE OF POSTING NOTICE.  (a)  In this section, "electronic bulletin board" means an electronic communication system that includes a perpetually illuminated screen on which the governmental body can post messages or notices viewable without manipulation by the public.
(b)  A joint board created under Section 22.074, Transportation Code, shall post notice of each meeting on a physical or electronic bulletin board at a place convenient to the public in the board's administrative offices.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 115 (S.B. 679), Sec. 2, eff. May 23, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.051. School District: Place of Posting Notice

Sec. 551.051.  SCHOOL DISTRICT:  PLACE OF POSTING NOTICE.  A school district shall post notice of each meeting on a bulletin board at a place convenient to the public in the central administrative office of the district.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.052. School District: Special Notice to News Media

Sec. 551.052.  SCHOOL DISTRICT:  SPECIAL NOTICE TO NEWS MEDIA.  (a)  A school district shall provide special notice of each meeting to any news media that has:
(1)  requested special notice;  and
(2)  agreed to reimburse the district for the cost of providing the special notice.
(b)  The notice shall be by telephone, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 380 (S.B. 592), Sec. 2, eff. June 15, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.053. District or Political Subdivision Extending Into Four or More Counties: Notice to Public, Secretary of State, and County Clerk; Place of Posting Notice

Sec. 551.053.  DISTRICT OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISION EXTENDING INTO FOUR OR MORE COUNTIES:  NOTICE TO PUBLIC, SECRETARY OF STATE, AND COUNTY CLERK;  PLACE OF POSTING NOTICE.  (a)  The governing body of a water district or other district or political subdivision that extends into four or more counties shall:
(1)  post notice of each meeting at a place convenient to the public in the administrative office of the district or political subdivision;
(2)  provide notice of each meeting to the secretary of state; and
(3)  either provide notice of each meeting to the county clerk of the county in which the administrative office of the district or political subdivision is located or post notice of each meeting on the district's or political subdivision's Internet website.
(b)  The secretary of state shall post the notice provided under Subsection (a)(2) on the Internet.  The secretary of state shall provide during regular office hours a computer terminal at a place convenient to the public in the office of the secretary of state that members of the public may use to view the notice.
(c)  A county clerk shall post a notice provided to the clerk under Subsection (a)(3) on a bulletin board at a place convenient to the public in the county courthouse.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 622, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 809 (H.B. 3357), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.054. District or Political Subdivision Extending Into Fewer Than Four Counties: Notice to Public and County Clerks; Place of Posting Notice

Sec. 551.054.  DISTRICT OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISION EXTENDING INTO FEWER THAN FOUR COUNTIES:  NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND COUNTY CLERKS;  PLACE OF POSTING NOTICE.  (a)  The governing body of a water district or other district or political subdivision that extends into fewer than four counties shall:
(1)  post notice of each meeting at a place convenient to the public in the administrative office of the district or political subdivision; and
(2)  either provide notice of each meeting to the county clerk of each county in which the district or political subdivision is located or post notice of each meeting on the district's or political subdivision's Internet website.
(b)  A county clerk shall post a notice provided to the clerk under Subsection (a)(2) on a bulletin board at a place convenient to the public in the county courthouse.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 809 (H.B. 3357), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.055. Institution of Higher Education

Sec. 551.055.  INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.  In addition to providing any other notice required by this subchapter, the governing board of a single institution of higher education:
(1)  shall post notice of each meeting at the county courthouse of the county in which the meeting will be held;
(2)  shall publish notice of a meeting in a student newspaper of the institution if an issue of the newspaper is published between the time of the posting and the time of the meeting;  and
(3)  may post notice of a meeting at another place convenient to the public.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 209, Sec. 1, eff. May 23, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter C. Notice of Meetings › Section 551.056. Additional Posting Requirements for Certain Municipalities, Counties, School Districts, Junior College Districts, Development Corporations, Authorities, and Joint Boards

Sec. 551.056.  ADDITIONAL POSTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES, COUNTIES, SCHOOL DISTRICTS, JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICTS, DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES, AND JOINT BOARDS.  (a)  This section applies only to a governmental body or economic development corporation that maintains an Internet website or for which an Internet website is maintained.  This section does not apply to a governmental body described by Section 551.001(3)(D).
(b)  In addition to the other place at which notice or an agenda of a meeting is required to be posted by this subchapter, the following governmental bodies and economic development corporations must also concurrently post notice of a meeting and the agenda for the meeting on the Internet website of the governmental body or economic development corporation:
(1)  a municipality;
(2)  a county;
(3)  a school district;
(4)  the governing body of a junior college or junior college district, including a college or district that has changed its name in accordance with Chapter 130, Education Code;
(5)  a development corporation organized under the Development Corporation Act (Subtitle C1, Title 12, Local Government Code);
(6)  a regional mobility authority included within the meaning of an "authority" as defined by Section 370.003, Transportation Code;
(7)  a joint board created under Section 22.074, Transportation Code; and
(8)  a district or authority created under Section 52, Article III, or Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution.
(c)  Repealed by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 855 (H.B. 3440), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.
(d)  The validity of a posted notice of a meeting or an agenda by a governmental body or economic development corporation subject to this section that made a good faith attempt to comply with the requirements of this section is not affected by a failure to comply with a requirement of this section that is due to a technical problem beyond the control of the governmental body or economic development corporation.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 340 (S.B. 1133), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2006.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 814 (S.B. 1548), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278), Sec. 3.10, eff. April 1, 2009.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 115 (S.B. 679), Sec. 3, eff. May 23, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 115 (S.B. 679), Sec. 4, eff. May 23, 2015.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 855 (H.B. 3440), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 855 (H.B. 3440), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter D. Exceptions to Requirement That Meetings Be Open › Section 551.071. Consultation With Attorney; Closed Meeting

Sec. 551.071.  CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY;  CLOSED MEETING.  A governmental body may not conduct a private consultation with its attorney except:
(1)  when the governmental body seeks the advice of its attorney about:
(A)  pending or contemplated litigation;  or
(B)  a settlement offer;  or
(2)  on a matter in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this chapter.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter D. Exceptions to Requirement That Meetings Be Open › Section 551.072. Deliberation Regarding Real Property; Closed Meeting

Sec. 551.072.  DELIBERATION REGARDING REAL PROPERTY;  CLOSED MEETING.  A governmental body may conduct a closed meeting to deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property if deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter D. Exceptions to Requirement That Meetings Be Open › Section 551.0725. Commissioners Courts: Deliberation Regarding Contract Being Negotiated; Closed Meeting

Sec. 551.0725.  COMMISSIONERS COURTS:  DELIBERATION REGARDING CONTRACT BEING NEGOTIATED;  CLOSED MEETING.  (a)  The commissioners court of a county may conduct a closed meeting to deliberate business and financial issues relating to a contract being negotiated if, before conducting the closed meeting:
(1)  the commissioners court votes unanimously that deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the commissioners court in negotiations with a third person; and
(2)  the attorney advising the commissioners court issues a written determination that deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the commissioners court in negotiations with a third person.
(b)  Notwithstanding Section 551.103(a), Government Code, the commissioners court must make a recording of the proceedings of a closed meeting to deliberate the information.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1287, Sec. 1, eff. June 21, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 758 (H.B. 1500), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1341 (S.B. 1233), Sec. 15, eff. June 17, 2011.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 471), Sec. 6, eff. May 18, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter D. Exceptions to Requirement That Meetings Be Open › Section 551.0726. Texas Facilities Commission: Deliberation Regarding Contract Being Negotiated; Closed Meeting

Sec. 551.0726.  TEXAS FACILITIES COMMISSION:  DELIBERATION REGARDING CONTRACT BEING NEGOTIATED; CLOSED MEETING.  (a)  The Texas Facilities Commission may conduct a closed meeting to deliberate business and financial issues relating to a contract being negotiated if, before conducting the closed meeting:
(1)  the commission votes unanimously that deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the state in negotiations with a third person; and
(2)  the attorney advising the commission issues a written determination finding that deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the state in negotiations with a third person and setting forth that finding therein.
(b)  Notwithstanding Section 551.103(a), the commission must make a recording of the proceedings of a closed meeting held under this section.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 535 (H.B. 976), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 937 (H.B. 3560), Sec. 3.05, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 11.011, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 471), Sec. 7, eff. May 18, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter D. Exceptions to Requirement That Meetings Be Open › Section 551.073. Deliberation Regarding Prospective Gift; Closed Meeting

Sec. 551.073.  DELIBERATION REGARDING PROSPECTIVE GIFT;  CLOSED MEETING.  A governmental body may conduct a closed meeting to deliberate a negotiated contract for a prospective gift or donation to the state or the governmental body if deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter D. Exceptions to Requirement That Meetings Be Open › Section 551.074. Personnel Matters; Closed Meeting

Sec. 551.074.  PERSONNEL MATTERS;  CLOSED MEETING.  (a)  This chapter does not require a governmental body to conduct an open meeting:
(1)  to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee;  or
(2)  to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee.
(b)  Subsection (a) does not apply if the officer or employee who is the subject of the deliberation or hearing requests a public hearing.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 551 - Open Meetings › Subchapter D. Exceptions to Requirement That Meetings Be Open › Section 551.0745. Personnel Matters Affecting County Advisory Body; Closed Meeting

Sec. 551.0745.  PERSONNEL MATTERS AFFECTING COUNTY ADVISORY BODY;  CLOSED MEETING.  (a)  This chapter does not require the commissioners court of a county to conduct an open meeting:
(1)  to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a member of an advisory body;  or
(2)  to hear a complaint or charge against a member of an advisory body.
(b)  Subsection (a) does not apply if the individual who is the subject of the deliberation or hearing requests a public hearing.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 659, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.