What is the Texas Open Meetings Act?

The Texas Open Meetings Act is a piece of legislation designed to ensure transparency and accountability in government by requiring that all meetings of governmental bodies be open to the public, where interested citizens can attend and observe the proceedings. This law promotes an open government, reinforcing the public's right to know and participate in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

The Act mandates that public notices are to be given before meetings occur and outlines specific procedures for how meetings are to be conducted openly, thereby discouraging secrecy in government affairs. This is crucial for fostering trust between government entities and the public they serve, ensuring that decisions are made in a transparent manner.

While it is important for court records and legal proceedings to be accessible, the Open Meetings Act specifically addresses the conduct of meetings of state and local governmental bodies rather than court records or private legal meetings. Thus, it is distinct from laws governing the access to court records or regulating private meetings among lawyers.