Bill

SB 407

85(R) - 2017
Senate Business & Commerce
Senate Business & Commerce
Open Records
Purchasing
Transparency

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Kirk Watson

Co-Author(s)

Dawn Buckingham
Konni Burton
Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
Don Huffines
Jane Nelson
Charles Schwertner
Van Taylor

Bill Caption

Relating to the exception from disclosure under the public information law for information related to competition or bidding.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Under current law, the government may refuse to disclose information publicly if its release would give advantage to a competitor or bidder. SB 407 would require the governmental body to demonstrate that the information would give such an advantage. In addition, this bill would require executed proposals, awarded bids, accounts, vouchers, and contracts not to be granted this exemption from disclosure.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill upholds our principle of limited government because it fosters transparency by making it more difficult to exempt state information from public disclosure. For this reason, we support SB 407.