Bill Caption

Fiscal Notes

Bill Analysis

Summary: HB 31 would change existing law by requiring general academic teaching institutions and state university systems' governing boards (board of regents) to post on their respective websites meeting agendas and supplemental information, broadcast meetings, and archive recorded meetings. Exceptions include maintaining privacy for legally certified confidential information and occurrences that take place outside of governmental control.

Analysis: HB 31 addresses a legitimate role of government and allows the state to limit government scope by providing transparency. This legislation gives the public accessibility to pertinent information and holds the governing boards accountable, knowing that their discussions will be open for public review. Taxpayers provide the funding for university and college operations, students attend these universities and colleges, and parents fund their students' education; therefore, providing these stakeholders with the right and need to access information discussed in the board of regent's meetings. As the Bill Analysis states: "..."[T]he process by which such a board makes decisions should be transparent and that legislators, taxpayers, parents, and students deserve access to the process that produces the decision a university's governing board." HB 31 allows individuals to make more informed decisions about their personal education for now and the future. We support HB 31.