1. UPDATE ON CHAPTER 176 COMPLIANCE

As of January 1, 2006, local government officers and persons who contract or seek to contract with local governmental entities are subject to new disclosure requirements under new Chapter 176 of the Texas Local Government Code. In connection with the disclosure requirements, Chapter 176 imposes certain additional responsibilities on local governmental entities.

Vinson & Elkins attorneys have worked to obtain clarification of the requirements. We have participated in the process for requesting an Attorney General Opinion to further clarify issues and answer questions we have identified through discussions with our clients.  The formal opinion request submitted by Representative Beverly Woolley and Representative John Smithee addresses many of the issues we have raised.  The request is online at:  http://www.oag.state.tx.us/opinions/
requests_ga/RQ0451GA.pdf.

If you have any questions about compliance procedures or whether Chapter 176 applies to you or your entity, please contact V&E; attorneys Barron Wallace, Jonathan Frels, Clark Lord, or one of our other Public Finance lawyers.  Their contact information is listed below.

2. UPDATE ON OPEN MEETINGS/PUBLIC INFORMATION TRAINING COMPLIANCE

As of January 1, 2006, all public officials must complete separate training courses on responsibilities under the Open Meetings Act and the Public Information Act.  Officials must complete both training courses within 90 days of assuming office, or, if elected or appointed prior to January 1, 2006, by January 1, 2007.  Officials may satisfy the Public Information Act training requirement if a duly appointed public information coordinator timely completes the training.  Additionally, the governing body must maintain and make available for public inspection the record of all required officials' training compliance.

Training is available by (1) viewing each video on the Attorney General's website at http://www.oag.state.tx.us/opinopen/
og_training.shtml; (2) viewing free DVD copies of each video, which may be obtained by calling 1.800.252.8011; or (3) attending training sessions that Vinson & Elkins will offer in the coming months.

If you have any questions about compliance with the Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act training requirements or how they apply to you or your entity, please call one of our lawyers listed below: