Require public body to allow public comment before taking action

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Signed into Law

Summary

The bill mandates that all decision‑making bodies of state and local government conduct business in open meetings, give the public an opportunity to comment on any item before a vote, and keep minutes publicly available. It defines which bodies must follow the rule, lists many exceptions (e.g., grand juries, certain licensing boards, review committees), and creates a private‑right enforcement mechanism with civil penalties. The goal is to increase transparency and public participation in government decisions.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Hearings

• House General Government: H. B. No. 272, H. C. R. No. 19, H. B. No. 396, H. B. No. 577, H. B. No. 609
  House General Government · Mar 17, 2026
• House General Government: H. B. No. 272, H. B. No. 577, H. B. No. 591, H. B. No. 396, H. B. No. 609
  House General Government · Mar 3, 2026
• House General Government: S. B. No. 63, H. B. No. 609, H. C. R. No. 9, H. C. R. No. 19, H. B. No. 396
  House General Government · Feb 24, 2026

History

1. Feb 4, 2026Referred to committee
2. Nov 25, 2025Introduced

Sponsors

• David Thomas · sponsor
• Chris Glassburn
• Josh Williams
• Mark Johnson
• Meredith Craig
• Sean P. Brennan
• Thomas Hall

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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Topics

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