Governmental Bodies and Public Meetings
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What is the common-law rule regarding governmental body meetings?

  • Members can vote via email.
  • Public input is not required during meetings.
  • Decisions can be made individually by members.
  • Meetings must be held for decisions to be made by the body as a whole. (correct)

What is meant by the term 'executive session'?

  • A casual meeting for discussing upcoming events.
  • A public meeting for all stakeholders to attend.
  • A meeting or part of a meeting that is closed to the public. (correct)
  • A meeting specifically for financial audits.

What opportunity does the common-law rule give to members of a governmental body?

  • The freedom to discuss decisions outside of meetings.
  • The opportunity to state their views to other board members. (correct)
  • The chance to present their case individually.
  • The right to vote without attending the meetings.

How can the common-law rule about governmental body meetings be changed?

<p>Only through legislative action. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is incorrect regarding the board's authority in clemency matters?

<p>Their decisions must always involve public input. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must a governmental body do to exercise its powers?

<p>Conduct a properly called meeting. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of meetings for governmental bodies?

<p>To allow the body to make decisions as a whole. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the Legislature changes the requirement for meetings?

<p>The common-law requirements become irrelevant. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a 'governmental body' according to the Government Code?

<p>A board, commission, or agency directed by appointed or elected members. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT classified as a governmental body?

<p>A volunteer community service organization. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of board is defined as a governmental body?

<p>A deliberative body with quasi-judicial power. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the status of meetings held by a governmental body?

<p>They are public unless specified otherwise. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is included in the definition of a governmental body?

<p>A nonprofit corporation under the federal community services block grant program. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The governing board of which entity is classified as a governmental body?

<p>A local workforce development board. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of a defendant completing a training course under the Act?

<p>It does not prove the defendant knowingly violated the Act. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT qualify as a governmental body under subsection 551.001(3)?

<p>A local business association. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum duration for the training course mandated for public officials?

<p>1 hour (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which subject is NOT specifically mentioned as a requirement in the training course?

<p>Best practices for public communication (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring the availability of the training courses?

<p>The attorney general (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must the entity providing the training issue upon completion?

<p>Certificate of completion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In addition to a certificate, what must a governmental body maintain regarding the training?

<p>A record of member completion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of medium must at least one approved course be available on?

<p>Widely available medium like videotape or DVD (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the subjects that the training must cover regarding meetings?

<p>Consequences for not adhering to meeting protocols (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an acceptable source for the training courses?

<p>Governmental bodies or other entities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must a governmental body provide written notice of according to the Act?

<p>The date, hour, place, and subject of each meeting (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT required in the notice of a closed meeting?

<p>Section or subsection numbers authorizing the meeting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Is it necessary for a governmental body to indicate in the notice if a subject will be discussed in open or closed session?

<p>No, but some governmental bodies choose to include this information (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the written notice mandated by Section 551.041 of the Act?

<p>To inform the public of the date, hour, place, and subject of meetings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Certain entities outside of the Act may have specific provisions. Which of the following is mentioned in the content related to broadcasting requirements?

<p>The Health and Human Services Commission (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of organization is generally not considered a governmental body under the Act?

<p>Nonprofit corporations established to carry out governmental business (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following entities is explicitly considered a governmental body under the Act?

<p>A development corporation created under the Development Corporation Act (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a nonprofit corporation to be subject to the Act’s meeting requirements?

<p>The nonprofit's bylaws must state compliance with the Act (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding nonprofit corporations and their governmental body status?

<p>Nonprofits that provide services to governments can be governmental bodies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What general principle applies to private entities and their classification as governmental bodies under the Act?

<p>Private entities do not become governmental bodies solely based on public funding. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Open Meetings Act and Governmental Bodies

  • Governmental bodies must make decisions as a whole at properly called meetings to ensure collective judgment is reflected.
  • The common-law rule predating the Act emphasizes the importance of meetings for exercising governmental powers.
  • Legislative changes can modify the requirement of collective meetings.

Executive Sessions

  • "Executive session" refers to a closed meeting that is not accessible to the public, as defined in TEX. GOV’T CODE § 551.101.
  • Closed meetings are distinct terminologies often used interchangeably with executive sessions.

Training Requirements

  • The Attorney General ensures training is available for public officials on Open Meetings Act compliance.
  • A minimum of one approved course must be offered at no cost via accessible mediums like video or DVD.
  • Training content includes:
    • Legal requirements for open meetings
    • Applicability of the Act to governmental bodies
    • Procedures regarding quorums, notices, and recordkeeping
    • Conducting open vs. closed meetings
    • Penalties for non-compliance
  • Completion certificates are issued, and records are maintained for public access.

Definition of Governmental Bodies

  • Governmental body includes various entities, such as:
    • Boards and commissions within state government
    • County commissioners and municipal governing bodies
    • School district boards and other educational entities
    • Nonprofit corporations eligible for specific public funding under certain statutes.
  • Nonprofit corporations not established for governmental functions typically do not qualify as governmental bodies, unless specified.

Public and Private Entities

  • Nonprofits operating solely for business purposes typically are not subject to the Act unless stated otherwise in their governing documents.
  • Receiving public funds does not automatically render a private entity a governmental body.

Notice Requirements

  • Written notice of meetings must include the date, hour, place, and subjects for discussion, as mandated by the Act.
  • The Act requires advance notice for both open meetings and closed sessions, but does not require specifying session types in notices.
  • Judicial decisions or Attorney General opinions do not mandate indicating discussion types in meeting notices but some bodies may choose to do so.

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Related Documents

Open Meetings Act Handbook 2024 PDF

Description

This quiz explores the principles governing governmental bodies, particularly the requirement to hold meetings for decision-making. It delves into the common-law rule that mandates a collective meeting to ensure all members can voice their opinions and contribute to discussions. Test your understanding of these vital legislative processes.

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