"We live in an era in which citizens demand more openness from their government," said Attorney General Abbott. "It is my fervent hope that this bill, if signed into law, will give public officials the tools they need to provide the best possible customer service to the people of Texas."
SB 286, authored by Sen. Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio) was passed by the House late Tuesday. The bill incorporates training requirements in a similar bill filed by Rep. Todd Baxter (R-Austin).
The legislation grew out of Attorney General Abbott's commitment to change attitudes among government officials who must interact with the public daily. The Attorney General's Open Records Division receives about 11,000 requests per year from government officials seeking guidance pertaining to disclosure of records to citizens and media.
"What I have learned as Attorney General is that public officials do not always know what is required of them," Attorney General Abbott said. "Education of public officials about government's duty to provide information to the citizens it represents is one way my office can ensure correct responses are provided. This is essential to our democratic process."
The training course, up to two hours in length, would emphasize the responsibilities government officials have to the public in complying with these laws. The Office of Attorney General would either conduct the training on site, provide a videotaped course at no cost, or approve training provided by a government office or other qualified instructor.
If signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry, the law would take effect on Jan. 1, 2006, and current government officials would be expected to enroll as soon as possible. Future officials would be required to take the course no later than 90 days after they assume responsibilities of their office. The open records training would also require public information officers employed by a government office to take the course.
