Bill

HB 4181

86(R) - 2019
House Administration
Senate Business & Commerce
House Administration
Senate Business & Commerce

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Charlie Geren

Sponsor(s)

Kelly Hancock

Bill Caption

Relating to the organization and efficient operation of the legislative branch of state government.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 4181 would make a variety of noncontroversial procedural and administrative changes in the legislature, including updates to procedures for the first day of a legislative session, oath of office ceremonies etc.

The bill would also make major changes including codifying vast new legislative privilege exempting a wide array of legislative communications from being subject to disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act. 

The bill would also make changes to record keeping requirements by exempting the legislature from state records and having legislative records stand in a separate category subject to whatever rules the legislature may adopt.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action opposes HB 4181 because it would result in reduced transparency in government. For these reasons, we oppose passage HB 4181.