House Bill No. 5382 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 allow governmental bodies to maintain only one online message board, while introducing a new Section 551.0061 that permits municipal governing bodies to authorize commissions or other entities to create and use additional online message boards for public communication. This new section outlines that such authorizations can last for up to two years and can be reauthorized as deemed appropriate by the governing body.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any online message board established under this new section is separate from the one allowed under Section 551.006 and must adhere to its requirements. It also mandates that a municipal employee be designated to monitor compliance with both the new and existing regulations. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 551.006 (Government Code 551)