Bill Caption

Relating to the period during which an action alleging a violation of the open meetings law may be brought.

Fiscal Notes

From the LBB: no significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 1784 would amend the Government Code to require an individual to bring a suit on an action alleging a violation of open meetings law within two years of the alleged violation or the date the violation should have been discovered. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Transparency in government is important. Open meetings requirements provide an inherently government-limiting window into policy making which benefits citizens. At the same time, a two year statute of limitations seems like a reasonable way to prevent the efficiency of government from being hampered by lawsuits concerning old allegations of violations of open meeting requirements which may be difficult to prove or based on a nonsubstantive technical interpretation. Because this bill in some ways inhibits limited government by possibly diminishing transparency while at the same time promotes another aspect of limited government by offering a reasonable statute of limitations, we remain neutral on HB 1784.