Tex. Gov't Code Section 551.007
Public Testimony


(a)

This section applies only to a governmental body described by Sections 551.001 (Definitions)(3)(B)-(L).

(b)

A governmental body shall allow each member of the public who desires to address the body regarding an item on an agenda for an open meeting of the body to address the body regarding the item at the meeting before or during the body’s consideration of the item.

(c)

A governmental body may adopt reasonable rules regarding the public’s right to address the body under this section, including rules that limit the total amount of time that a member of the public may address the body on a given item.

(d)

This subsection applies only if a governmental body does not use simultaneous translation equipment in a manner that allows the body to hear the translated public testimony simultaneously. A rule adopted under Subsection (c) that limits the amount of time that a member of the public may address the governmental body must provide that a member of the public who addresses the body through a translator must be given at least twice the amount of time as a member of the public who does not require the assistance of a translator in order to ensure that non-English speakers receive the same opportunity to address the body.

(e)

A governmental body may not prohibit public criticism of the governmental body, including criticism of any act, omission, policy, procedure, program, or service. This subsection does not apply to public criticism that is otherwise prohibited by law.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 2840), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.

Source: Section 551.007 — Public Testimony, https://statutes.­capitol.­texas.­gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.­551.­htm#551.­007 (accessed Mar. 23, 2024).

551.001
Definitions
551.002
Open Meetings Requirement
551.003
Legislature
551.004
Open Meetings Required by Charter
551.005
Open Meetings Training
551.006
Written Electronic Communications Accessible to Public
551.007
Public Testimony
551.0015
Certain Property Owners’ Associations Subject to Law
551.021
Minutes or Recording of Open Meeting Required
551.022
Minutes and Recordings of Open Meeting: Public Record
551.023
Recording of Meeting by Person in Attendance
551.0035
Attendance by Governmental Body at Legislative Committee or Agency Meeting
551.041
Notice of Meeting Required
551.042
Inquiry Made at Meeting
551.043
Time and Accessibility of Notice
551.044
Exception to General Rule: Governmental Body with Statewide Jurisdiction
551.045
Exception to General Rule: Notice of Emergency Meeting or Emergency Addition to Agenda
551.046
Exception to General Rule: Committee of Legislature
551.047
Special Notice to News Media of Emergency Meeting or Emergency Addition to Agenda
551.048
State Governmental Body: Notice to Secretary of State
551.049
County Governmental Body: Place of Posting Notice
551.050
Municipal Governmental Body: Place of Posting Notice
551.051
School District: Place of Posting Notice
551.052
School District: Special Notice to News Media
551.053
District or Political Subdivision Extending into Four or More Counties: Notice to Public, Secretary of State, and County Clerk
551.054
District or Political Subdivision Extending into Fewer than Four Counties: Notice to Public and County Clerks
551.055
Institution of Higher Education
551.056
Additional Posting Requirements for Certain Municipalities, Counties, School Districts, Junior College Districts, Development Corporations, Authorities, and Joint Boards
551.071
Consultation with Attorney
551.072
Deliberation Regarding Real Property
551.073
Deliberation Regarding Prospective Gift
551.074
Personnel Matters
551.075
Conference Relating to Investments and Potential Investments Attended by Board of Trustees of Texas Growth Fund
551.076
Deliberation Regarding Security Devices or Security Audits
551.077
Agency Financed by Federal Government
551.078
Medical Board or Medical Committee
551.079
Texas Department of Insurance
551.080
Board of Pardons and Paroles
551.081
Credit Union Commission
551.082
School Children
551.083
Certain School Boards
551.084
Investigation
551.085
Governing Board of Certain Providers of Health Care Services
551.086
Certain Public Power Utilities: Competitive Matters
551.087
Deliberation Regarding Economic Development Negotiations
551.088
Deliberation Regarding Test Item
551.089
Deliberation Regarding Security Devices or Security Audits
551.090
Enforcement Committee Appointed by Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
551.091
Commissioners Courts: Deliberation Regarding Disaster or Emergency
551.101
Requirement to First Convene in Open Meeting
551.102
Requirement to Vote or Take Final Action in Open Meeting
551.103
Certified Agenda or Recording Required
551.104
Certified Agenda or Recording
551.121
Governing Board of Institution of Higher Education
551.122
Governing Board of Junior College District: Quorum Present at One Location
551.123
Texas Board of Criminal Justice
551.124
Board of Pardons and Paroles
551.125
Other Governmental Body
551.126
Higher Education Coordinating Board
551.127
Videoconference Call
551.128
Internet Broadcast of Open Meeting
551.129
Consultations Between Governmental Body and Its Attorney
551.130
Board of Trustees of Teacher Retirement System of Texas: Quorum Present at One Location
551.131
Water Districts
551.141
Action Voidable
551.142
Mandamus
551.143
Prohibited Series of Communications
551.144
Closed Meeting
551.145
Closed Meeting Without Certified Agenda or Recording
551.146
Disclosure of Certified Agenda or Recording of Closed Meeting
551.0411
Meeting Notice Requirements in Certain Circumstances
551.0415
Governing Body of Municipality or County: Reports About Items of Community Interest Regarding Which No Action Will Be Taken
551.0501
Joint Board: Place of Posting Notice
551.0725
Commissioners Courts: Deliberation Regarding Contract Being Negotiated
551.0726
Texas Facilities Commission: Deliberation Regarding Contract Being Negotiated
551.0745
Personnel Matters Affecting County Advisory Body
551.0785
Deliberations Involving Medical or Psychiatric Records of Individuals
551.0811
The Finance Commission of Texas
551.0821
School Board: Personally Identifiable Information About Public School Student
551.1281
Governing Board of General Academic Teaching Institution or University System: Internet Posting of Meeting Materials and Broadcast of Open Meeting
551.1282
Governing Board of Junior College District: Internet Posting of Meeting Materials and Broadcast of Open Meeting
551.1283
Governing Body of Certain Water Districts: Internet Posting of Meeting Materials

Accessed:
Mar. 23, 2024

§ 551.007’s source at texas​.gov