S.B. No. 710 proposes amendments to the Government Code regarding the establishment and use of online message boards or similar Internet applications by certain municipal entities. The bill modifies Section 551.006(b) to clarify that a governmental body may have only one online message board, which must be prominently displayed on its primary web page. Additionally, it introduces a new Section 551.0061, allowing the governing body of a municipality to authorize a commission or other entity to establish and use an online message board for public communication purposes. This authorization can last for up to two years and can be reauthorized as deemed appropriate by the governing body.

The new section also stipulates that the online message board or application must be separate from any municipal message board authorized under Section 551.006 and must comply with its requirements. Furthermore, a municipal employee is required to monitor the message board or application to ensure compliance with both the new section and Section 551.006. The bill 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)