S.B. No. 710 amends the Government Code to establish a framework for certain municipal entities to create and utilize online message boards or similar Internet applications for public communication. The bill modifies Section 551.006(b) to allow governmental bodies to maintain only one online message board, while also introducing a new Section 551.0061. This new section permits the governing body of a municipality to authorize its boards, commissions, or similar entities to establish their own online message boards, which can be used for the same purposes outlined in Section 551.006(a).

The new provisions stipulate that the authorization for these online message boards can last for up to two years, with the possibility of reauthorization. Additionally, the bill mandates that a municipal employee must monitor these message boards to ensure compliance with the established requirements. The online message boards created under this new section are considered separate from the municipal online message board authorized by Section 551.006. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 551.006 (Government Code 551)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 551.006 (Government Code 551)
Engrossed: Government Code 551.006 (Government Code 551)
House Committee Report: Government Code 551.006 (Government Code 551)
Enrolled: Government Code 551.006 (Government Code 551)