The bill, H.B. No. 638, mandates that certain water districts in Texas make audio and video recordings of their open meetings available online. Specifically, it amends Section 551.128 of the Government Code to require districts subject to Chapters 36, 49, or 60 of the Water Code, located in counties with populations of 125,000 or more, to record and archive meetings. These recordings must be of reasonable quality and include regularly scheduled open meetings, as well as work sessions or special meetings where votes or public comments occur. Additionally, districts not located in such populous counties are required to make audio recordings of their regularly scheduled open meetings available online.

The bill introduces new requirements for water districts, including the obligation to archive and share recordings of their meetings on the Internet, thereby enhancing transparency and public access to governmental proceedings. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and only apply to meetings held after this date, ensuring that prior meetings are governed by the existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: Government Code 551.128 (Government Code 551)
Engrossed: Government Code 551.128 (Government Code 551)