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Seal of the Senate of the State of Texas
Welcome to the official website for the
Texas Senate
 
Senate Committee on Open Government
NOTE: This is archived committee information from the 82nd Legislative Session.

Committee Information

CHAIR
Rodney Ellis

VICE-CHAIR
Wendy Davis

MEMBERS
Kevin Eltife
Florence Shapiro
Jeff Wentworth

 

CLERK:
Amanda Kit

TEL:
(512) 463-7733

LOCATION:
Sam Houston Building, 335

Video/Audio Archives

Note: This committee transitioned from a Senate Select Committee to a Standing Committee during the 82nd Session interim.

82nd Session Interim

82nd Regular Session

Written Testimony Submissions and Handouts

November 26, 2012

Submitted Written Testimony

Reports

The following reports are available for download:

Interim Charges

  • Evaluate the need for revisions to the Public Information Act to address changes in the performance of public functions and make recommendations for changes. Specifically, consider the following:
    • the use of new technologies and future technological advances as relates to the creation of public information;
    • the extent to which the Public Information Act impacts third-party contractors with state and local government;
    • the need to codify or clarify existing Attorney General opinions.
  • Examine the effectiveness of security measures used to protect electronic information held by state agencies and make recommendations for enhancing security, if needed.
  • Review record retention policies for state and local governments and make recommendations for improvements to record retention schedules and policies, including e-mail retention and archiving requirements. Consider the benefits and disadvantages of creating a uniform record retention policy.
  • Study ways to define and address frivolous and/or overly-burdensome open records requests. Include an analysis of appropriate cost recovery by governmental entities for expenses and time related to responding to requests, while ensuring the public has adequate access to public information.
  • Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Select Committee on Open Government, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.