CITYO City of Bellmead BELLMEAD City Council NOED M S Meeting Agenda Tuesday, July 08, 2025 5:30 PM Council Chambers, 3015 Bellmead Dr. Workshop Call Meeting To Order 1. Discussion on the Code of Conduct 2. Discussion on House Bill 2840 (HB 2840) Legal Q&A by TML Legal Department about HB 2840 Legal synopsis of HB 2840 referencing citizens speaking at a Council meeting. 3. Discussion on Texas Government Code Chapter 551 in reference to open meetings. Texas Government Code Chapter 551 in reference to open meeting key sections. (A full copy of Chapter 551 is online.) Examples of effective public comment forms used by surrounding cities that demonstrate clarity and accessibility. Adjournment Certification I certify that the above notice of the meeting was posted on the Internet and the bulletin board at Bellmead City Hall on or before 5:00 p.m. on July 03, 2025. This notice will remain posted continuously for at least 72 hours preceding the scheduled time of said meeting in accordance with Chapter 551.041 of the Texas Government Code. Shannon Garcia City Secretary In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Bellmead will provide reasonable accommodations for persons attending and/or participating in this City Council Meeting. To better serve you, the request must be made at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Contact the City of Bellmead at (254) 799-2436 or by fax at (254) 799-5969. The City Hall building is wheelchair accessible, with parking available at the front and east side of the building. City of Bellmead City Council Meeting Agenda July 08, 2025 Page 1 of2 CITYO 9 City of Bellmead BELLMEAD City Council COIDI Meeting Agenda Tuesday, July 08, 2025 5:30 PM Council Chambers, 3015 Bellmead Dr. Notice of Potential Quorum A Quorum of The Bellmead Economic Development Corporation Board Members May be Present. City of Bellmead City Council Meeting Agenda July 08, 2025 Page 2 of 2 Legal Q&A By TML Legal Department What is House Bill 2840? A House Bill 2840 by Representative Terry Canales (D - Edinburg) passed during the 86th Regular Legislative Session. It became effective on September 1, 2019. The bill, codified at Texas Government Code Section 551.007, amends the Texas Open Meetings Act (Act) to allow certain public input at open meetings. Before the passage of the bill, the public had a legal right only to observe, rather than provide input on, an open meeting of a governmental body. See Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. No. JC-0169 (2000). House Bill 2840 gives the public the right to address the following government bodies on an item on the agenda at an open meeting: a city council; a deliberative body that has rulemaking or quasi-judicial power and that is classified as a department, agency, or political subdivision of a city (e.g., probably a city's board of adjustment); and the governing body of a special district created by law (Each city should consult local legal counsel as to the applicability of this provision. See, e.g., Sierra Club V. Austin Transp. Study. Policy Advisory Committee, 746 S.W.2d 298 (Tex. App. Austin 1988, writ denied (concluding that Austin transportation advisory committee was a "special district")). TEX. GOV'T CODE SS 551.001(3)(C), (D), (H), 551.007(a). The bill also applies to a handful of other nonmunicipal governmental bodies. See id. SS 551.001(3), 551.007(a). Notably, the bill doesn't apply to state agencies. It also doesn't appear to apply to entities that are subject to the Act, but don't fall within the term "governmental body" as defined in the Act, such as a planning and zoning commission or an economic development corporation. See, e.g., TEX. LOC. GOV'T CODE SS 211.0075, 501.072; see also Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. No. JC-0327 (2001) (concluding that the board oft the Bryan-College State Economic Development Corporation is not a governmental body under the Act). City officials should consult local legal counsel to determine whether any particular entity is subject to the bill. Does House Bill 2840 mandate that a governmental body have a "public hearing" on every agenda item? A No. Public hearings are meetings legally required by law to record public comment on a matter being considered by a governmental entity. These same laws govern how the public hearings are to be conducted. See, e.g., TEX. LOC. GOV'T CODE SS 102.006(a) ("The governing body of a municipality shall hold a public hearing on the proposed budget. Any person may attend and may participate in the hearing. "), 43.063(a) ("Before a municipality may institute annexation proceedings, the governing body ofthe municipality must conduct two public hearings at which persons interested in the annexation are given the opportunity to be heard."). Existing precedent makes clear the distinction between a public hearing and public comment at a meeting. See Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. Nos. M-220 (1968) at 5 (A meeting that is "open to the public" under the Act is one that the public is entitled to attend.); JM-584 (1986) at 3; H-188 (1973) at 2; LO-96-111 at 1; see also Eudaly V. City of Colleyville, 642 S.W.2d 75, 77 (Tex. App. Fort Worth 1982, writ ref'd n.r.e.) (distinguishing between "public meeting, 9 where public was not entitled to comment, and "public hearing, 99 where public was entitled to comment). House Bill 2840 doesn'ti require a public hearing on every item on an agenda. It merely grants limited authority to a citizen to address a governmental body, subject to reasonable rules adopted by the body. When does the public have the right to address a governmental body on items on the agenda of an open meeting? A Some commentators suggested that the bill allows a citizen to address a governmental body throughout a meeting on agenda items before a vote, not only in the time designated by the city. That's incorrect. Government Code Section 551.007(b) provides that "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 ofthe body to address the body regarding the item at the meeting before or during the body's consideration ofthe item. 9 TEX. GOV'T CODE $ 551.007(b) (emphasis added). The legislature typically uses the word "or" as a disjunctive. See Spradlin V. Jim Walter Homes, Inc., 34 S.W.3d 578, 581 (Tex. 2000). "It separates words or phrases in the alternate relationship, indicating that either ofthe separated words or phrases may be employed without the other." Jones V. State, 175 S.W.3d 927, 932 (Tex. App. Dallas 2005, no pet.) (citing Perez V. State, 11 S.W.3d 218, 225 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000)). The legislature's use of the disjunctive here evidences its intent to allow the governmental body to decide at which point in the meeting a member of the public addresses them. The attorney general has opined that Section 551.007(b) does not grant a member of the public the right to address a governmental body both before and during the governmental body's consideration of an item. Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. No. KP-0300 (2020)("A governmental body may satisfy subsection 551.007(b)'s requirements by holding a single public comment period at the beginning of an open meeting to address all items on the agenda.' ") Moreover, a member ofthe public has no right under Section 551.007(b) to address a governmental body after the body's consideration of an item. See also TEX. GOV'T CODE $ 551.007(c) (authorizing the governmental body to adopt "rules concerning the public's right to speak at an open meeting"), TEX. LOC. GOV'T CODE $ 22.038(c) ("The governing body shall determine the rules ofits proceedings"), Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. No. DM-473 (1998) (concluding a home rule city is authorized to adopt reasonable rules of procedure for meetings). The legislative history of House Bill 2840 explains why a governmental body may limit a member of the public to one of the two options: "It has been suggested that the practice ofthe governing bodies of certain political subdivisions to provide for public input and comment only at the conclusion of a meeting of the governing body makes it too difficult for the public to properly weigh in on decisions being made because they are forced to wait through the entire meeting to provide an opinion on any subject matter being addressed at the meeting. 99 See Senate Business & Commerce Comm., Bill Analysis, H.B. 2840, Senate Research Center, May 15, 2019. QIs a governmental body allowed to adopt reasonable rules regarding the public's right to address them at open meetings? A Yes. A governmental body may adopt reasonable rules concerning the public's right to address the body at an open meeting, consistent with the relevant provisions oflaw allowing it to do sO. Id. $ 551.007(c); See Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. Nos. KP-300 (2020), H-188 (1973) at 2, LO-96-111 at 1. The rules may include, among many other things, the length of comments on a given item. Id. $ 551.007(d) (If the person addressing the governmental body needs a translator, the governmental body is required to allow at least twice the normal amount oftime for the non- English speaker to address the body.). Prior to the passage of House Bill 2840, the attorney general summarized the authority of a local governmental body to control public comment at its meetings: We think that the [governmental body] has broad discretion in exercising its statutory: powers under the Local Government Code, and may limit the number of persons who may speak on a topic and the length and frequency of their presentations. However, it must act reasonably and may not discriminate on the basis ofthe particular views expressed, nor arbitrarily deny citizens their right to apply to the government for redress of grievances by "petition, address or remonstrance, 99 as guaranteed by article I, section 27 ofthe Texas Constitution. The Igovernmental body] as a whole has the authority to determine its own agenda. Attorney General Opinions DM-228 (1993) at 2-3, JM-63 (1983) at 1. The [body] may adopt reasonable rules consistent with relevant provisions of law including, among other things, the Open Meetings Act - to govern the conduct ofi its meetings. Attorney General Opinion DM-228 (1993) at 3. The court may limit the number, frequency, and length of presentations to it. Attorney General Opinion H-188 (1973) at 2. We note that, as Attorney General Opinion H-188 points out, the Open Meetings Act does not ofitself give citizens the right to participate in a public meeting, but only the right to observe it. However, ift the [body] has adopted a policy of opening the floor to citizen comment, Attorney General Opinion H-188 counsels that such a policy must be administered in an even-handed fashion, and that the [body] may not discriminate against a particular point of view. Such limits as the [governmental body] adopts must not be arbitrary or unreasonable, and must not unfairly discriminate among views seeking expression. Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. No. LO-96-111. Of course, House Bill 2840 modifies the conclusion that the Act doesn't give members of the public the right to address a governmental body at an open meeting. Beyond that, however, the remaining conclusions remain valid. See also TEX. LOC. GOV'T CODE $ 22.038(c) ("The governing body [of a general law city] shall determine the rules of its proceedings"), Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. No. KP-300 (2020), DM-473 (1998) (concluding a home rule city is authorized to adopt reasonable rules of procedure as long as they are not inconsistent with the constitution, statutes or city charter provisions). The bottom line is that a member of the public's right to address a governmental body under Section 511.007 is, by the express terms of the section, subject to reasonable rules adopted by the governmental body. Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. No. KP-300 (2020)(-Pursuant to Subsection 551.007(c), a governmental body may adopt a rule capping the total amount of time a member of the public has to address all items on the agenda if the rule is reasonable.") Q Does House Bill 2840 require a governmental body to allow a member of the public to address them during the body's consideration of an agenda item if the person wishes to do so? A No. The city council could comply with Section 551.007 by allowing a member of the public to address the body regarding the item any time before the body's consideration ofthe item. What if a member oft the public misses the opportunity to address a governmental body on an item during a designated public comment period at the beginning of an open meeting? Is a governmental body then required to allow that person to address them on the item later in the meeting during the body's consideration of the item? No, because the governmental body retains control ofi its meetings. Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. No. KP-300 (2020)("A governmental body may satisfy subsection 551.007(b)'s requirements by holding a single public comment period at the beginning of an open meeting to address all items on the agenda. "). The governmental body may set a designated time (e.g., before agenda items are considered) for members oft the public to address the body regarding an item on the agenda. If a member of the public misses that opportunity, Section 551.007 does not grant the person the right to interrupt the meeting. What if a member ofthe public is in attendance during a designated public comment period at the beginning of an open meeting, but chooses not to comment on an agenda item until later in the meeting during the body's consideration of the item? Is the governmental body required to allow that person to comment on the item during the body's consideration of the item? No, because the governmental body retains control of its meetings. QIs a governmental body required to allow the public to address them on agenda items at "workshops" or "work sessions?" A Cities sometimes post meeting notices indicating that the city council will hold a "council work session" or "council workshop. 99 These terms are not defined in the Act, but are commonly used to refer to a meeting in which the council will be briefed by staff (or other experts) on a single matter ofi interest to the city. Oftentimes, the subject of a work session is highly technical in nature and/or requires a detailed and thorough explanation. A city council generally will not plan to take action during a work session as it is frequently intended as an educational precursor to some possible future action. For instance, city councils often hold meetings referred to as "work sessions" leading up to the adoption of the budget. City attorneys disagree about whether Section 551.007 applies to a workshop or work sessions. While some believe it applies, others have a different interpretation. That interpretation is largely based on when the governmental body "considers" an item. For example, a city may hold budget workshops for city councilmembers to discuss financial priorities amongst themselves. Some argue that the city council isn't"considering" the item at that time. Rather, they argue, the budget itself will be considered when it is placed on the city council's agenda for action at a future meeting. The bill author's staff has indicated that the bill isn't meant to apply to a workshop or work session. Q May the governmental body still allow the public to ask questions about items not on the agenda? Must a governmental body allow the public to address them about items not on the agenda? A It has long been "common for units of local government to invite any member of the public to make whatever comments they desire in the public forum at the time of the public meeting, 99 including comments about items not on the agenda. Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. Nos. JC-0169 (2000). A governmental body may, but does not have to, allow the public to make comments about items not on the agenda. House Bill 2840 mandates that a governmental body allow a citizen to speak only in regard to items on an agenda. If the governmental body allows the public to comment on items not on the agenda, the governmental body can still apply reasonable rules regarding the number, frequency, and length of presentation, but it cannot discriminate against speakers. See, e.g., Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. No. LO-96-111. The governmental body may not deliberate on any item that is not on the agenda. For such an item, the governmental body may: (1) make a statement of fact regarding the item; (2) make a statement concerning the policy regarding the item; or (3) propose that the item be placed on a future agenda. TEX. GOV'T CODE $ 551.042. Q May the governmental body prevent the public from criticizing the governmental body or actions of the governmental body? A A governmental body may not prohibit public criticism of the governmental body, including criticism of any act, omission, policy, procedure, program, or service. However, the bill "does not apply to public criticism that is otherwise prohibited by law." Id. $ 551.007(e). Exactly what type of public criticism is prohibited by law remains to be seen. Defamation would probably fall under that prohibition. In any case, a city should be able to enforce a decorum policy for public speakers, SO long is it doesn't prohibit criticism. Q How has COVID-19 impacted House Bill 2840? A In March 2020, Governor Abbott temporarily suspended various parts of the Open Meetings Act in response to the COVID-19 disaster. See htps/wwiesasatomeygenernlgovopen: govemmenlopen-meengs-ac-update As of this writing, the suspensions are still in place. One part of the Act that is suspended is the requirement in Texas Government Code Section 551.007(b) that a governmental body allow each member ofthe public who desires to address the body regarding an item on an agenda to address the body before or during the body's consideration oft the item. The suspension order does, however, require that a governmental body "offer alternative methods of communicating" with public officials. The suspension order does not impact a governmental body's ability to have reasonable rules regarding the public's right to address the body. A quick online search reveals myriad ways that governmental bodies allow for public interaction and comment during a remote meeting held under the governor's suspension order. For instance, some cities engage in the following practices: Provide a dedicated voicemail or email where the public may submit comments. These comments may be read or played aloud at the meeting, or simply provided to the city council for review prior to the meeting. Allow the public to address the city council by phone during the meeting. This is typically achieved by requiring an individual to provide a contact phone number prior to the meeting that can be used by the presiding officer to call the individual. Utilize videoconference software that offers a "moderator" function, giving the presiding officer the ability to unmute a registered speaker to deliver live comments. The variety of methods used by cities to interact with the public during remote meetings is likely a function of both the assortment of technologies used to hold meetings and differing legal interpretations oft the suspension order. Each city should consult its own legal counsel in making a final decision about how best to address this issue. House Bill 2840: Public Comment on Agenda Items Zindia Thomas, TML Assistant General Counsel July 2019 What is H.B. 2840? House Bill 2840 by Representative Terry Canales (D - Edinburg) is effective date of September 1, 2019. The bill amends the Texas Open Meetings Act to provide that "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." Before the passage of the bill, the public had only the right to observe, rather than speak at, an open meeting of a governmental body. What right does the public have to speak on a particular agenda item? The public has the right to speak on each item on the agenda at an open meeting of all governmental bodies as defined by the Open Meetings Act, except for state agencies. Tex. Gov'tCode $ 551.007(a). When does the public have the right to speak on items on the agenda of an open meeting? The governmental body must allow the public the right to speak on items on the agenda either at the beginning of the meeting or during the meeting when the agenda item is being considered by the governmental body. Id. $ 551.007(b). Is a governmental body allowed to adopt reasonable rules on the public's right to speak? Yes. A governmental body may adopt reasonable rules concerning the public's right to speak at an open meeting. Id. $ 551.007(c). The rules may include how long the person can address the governmental body on a given item. If the person addressing the governmental body needs a translator, the governmental body is required to allow at least twice the normal amount of time for the non-English speaker to address the body. Id. S 551.007(d). May the governmental body still allow the public to ask questions about items not on the agenda? The governmental body may decide to allow the public to ask questions about items not on the agenda. If the governmental body allows the public to ask questions about items not on the agenda, the governmental body can still apply reasonable rules regarding the number, frequency, and length of presentation, but it cannot discriminate against speakers. The governmental body will not be able to deliberate on any item that is not on the agenda. For such an item, the governmental body may either: (1) make a statement of fact regarding the item; (2) make a statement concerning the policy regarding the item; or (3) propose that the item be placed on a future agenda. Id. $ 551.042. May the governmental body prevent the public from criticizing the governmental body or actions of the governmental body? A governmental body may not prohibit public criticism of the governmental body, including criticism of any act, omission, policy, procedure, program, or service. However, the bill "does not apply to public criticism that is otherwise prohibited by law." Id. $ 551.007(e). What public criticism is prohibited by law remains to be seen. Defamation would probably fall under that prohibition. In any case, a city should be able to enforce a decorum policy for public speakers, sO long is it doesn't prohibit criticism. IILILU, U J. PMVI wI UIII II VVI 3 apoany au - incounys uuuyie Du - what bill in texas deals with citizens speak X e a Al Mode All News Videos Images Short videos Forums More V Tools 4 Al Overview : - The main bill in Texas that addresses citizens speaking at council meetings is House Bill 2840 (HB 2840). 8 Key aspects of HB 2840: Mandatory Public Comment: HB 2840 mandates that a governmental body allow a citizen to speak regarding items on an agenda for an open meeting. Prior to HB 2840, public comment periods were not always legally required, and governmental bodies had greater discretion in setting rules for decorum. Addressing Agenda Items: Citizens have the right to speak about items that are on the agenda before or during the governmental body's consideration of that item. Reasonable Rules: Governmental bodies may adopt "reasonable rules" concerning public comment, such as limiting the total time a citizen may address the body on a given item. Criticism of Governmental Body: HB 2840 prohibits governmental bodies from prohibiting public criticism of their actions, policies, or services, unless that criticism is otherwise prohibited by law (e.g., defamation). No Deliberation on Non-Agenda Items: Governmental bodies cannot deliberate on items not on the agenda, even if they allow public comment on those items. They can, however, make a factual statement, a policy statement, or propose placing the item on a future agenda. e In summary, HB 2840 increased public access to governmental meetings by requiring public comment on agenda items and protecting the right to criticize governmental actions, within the bounds of the law. 0 Texas Public Comment Law - State Bar of Texas Articles * TBJ MARCH 2023. * Introduction. Controversy in public schools is nothing new, but school board presidents and school district police officers are experiencing.. State Bar of Texas : . httpslwww.google.com/search7g-what-bilein-texas-deals-withecltzens+sPeaking*at-councl-meetingsanz-1C1GCEU_enus1005US10058oq-8.. 1/5 - LILU, U.43 a PIVI - - U ur FIEROSI. UrEIN MICCIINU a Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Sec. 551.0411. MEETING NOTICE REQUIREMENTS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. (a) Section 551.041 does not require a governmental body that recesses an open meeting to the following regular business day to post notice of the continued meeting if the action is taken in good faith and not to circumvent this chapter. If an open meeting is continued to the following regular business day and, on that following day, the governmental body continues the meeting to another day, the governmental body must give written notice as required by this subchapter of the meeting continued to that other day. (b) A governmental body that is prevented from convening an open meeting that was otherwise properly posted under Section 551.041 because of a catastrophe may convene the meeting in a convenient location within 72 hours pursuant to Section 551.045 if the action is taken in good faith and not to circumvent this chapter. If the governmental body is unable to convene the open meeting within those' 72 hours, the governmental body may subsequently convene the meeting only if the governmental body gives written notice of the meeting as required by this subchapter. (c) In this section, "catastrophe" means a condition or occurrence that interferes physically with the ability of a governmental body to conduct a meeting, including: (1) fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, or wind, rain, or snow storm; (2) power failure, transportation failure, or interruption of communication facilities; (3) epidemic; or (4) riot, civil disturbance, enemy attack, or other actual or threatened act of lawlessness or violence. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 325 (S.B. 690), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005. Sec. 551.0415. GOVERNING BODY OF MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY: REPORTS ABOUT ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST REGARDING WHICH NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN. (a) Notwithstanding Sections 551.041 and 551.042, a quorum of the governing body of a municipality or county may receive from staff of the political subdivision and a member of the governing body may make a report about items of community interest during a meeting of the governing body without having given notice of the subject of the report as required by ittpsiIstatutes.capito.lexas.gow/Docs/GVntm/GV551.htm#551.042 10/47 1ILILD, 10.43 AIVI En -r EI this subchapter if no action is taken and, except as provided by Section 551.042, possible action is not discussed regarding the information provided in the report. (b) For purposes of Subsection (a), "items of community interest" includes: (1) expressions of thanks, congratulations, or condolence; (2) information regarding holiday schedules; (3) an honorary or salutary recognition of a public official, public employee, or other citizen, except that a discussion regarding a change in the status of a person's public office or public employment is not an honorary or salutary recognition for purposes of this subdivision; (4) a reminder about an upcoming event organized or sponsored by the governing bodyi (5) information regarding a social, ceremonial, or community event organized or sponsored by an entity other than the governing body that was attended or is scheduled to be attended by a member of the governing body or an official or employee of the political subdivision; and (6) announcements involving an imminent threat to the public health and safety of people in the political subdivision that has arisen after the posting of the agenda. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1377 (S.B. 1182), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009. Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., / R.S., Ch. 1007 (H.B. 2313), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1341 (S.B. 1233), Sec. 14, eff. June 17, 2011. Reenacted and amended by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 161 (S.B. 1093), Sec. 9.013, eff. September 1, 2013. Sec. 551.042. INQUIRY MADE AT MEETING. (a) If, at a meeting of a governmental body, a member of the public or of the governmental body inquires about a subject for which notice has not been given as required by this subchapter, the notice provisions of this subchapter do not apply to: (1) a statement of specific factual information given in response to the inquiry; or (2) a recitation of existing policy in response to the inquiry. (b) Any deliberation of or decision about the subject of the inquiry shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on the agenda for a subsequent meeting. htpssatulescapioltexsgwDescVAimoCV51hm8551.042 11/47 LILJ, IU.J D PIVI II UI IA yuve LU us wIuI lyrns UI 3U E lU respunu U puunL guuyie o which section of TX govt code deals with right X & 6 Al Mode All News Images Short videos Shopping Forums More V Tools V Did you mean: which section of TX govt code deals with right of counsel to respond to public comment AI Overview Texas Government Code Section 551.007 addresses the right of a governmental body to respond to public comment during open meetings. Specifically, it states that members of the public have the right to address the body about agenda items, but the governmental body members are not required to respond. @ Here's a more detailed breakdown: Public's Right to Speak: Section 551.007 grants the public the right to address the governmental body regarding items on the meeting's agenda. e Discretionary Response: While the public can speak, the law does not mandate that the governmental body respond to the comments. Members of the body may, but are not obligated to, provide a response. 8 Open Meetings Act: This provision is part of the Texas Open Meetings Act, which governs public access to government meetings. @ Reasonable Rules: Governmental bodies can adopt reasonable rules to manage public comment, such as limiting the time each person can speak. 8 No Prohibition on Criticism: The law specifically prohibits the governmental body from prohibiting public criticism of the body or its actions, unless the criticism is otherwise prohibited by law. e Example of Use: A city council, for example, might hold a public comment period at the beginning of a I htps/www.google.comlsar.igwhidhisact-PXegontrcdderdmais-wihrgnhidahtedkcaundl-o-espondhbo-pudhie-commeniact-ICIBCEUe. 1/5 IILIZD, IU:38 AM wnicn secuion or IA govi coge gears win ngnt OT council tO respona IO puDic comment Googie searcn X Public Participation During Open Meetings - Attorney General Section 551.007 authorizes a member of the public to address the governmental body about agenda items only. The governmental body Attorney General : GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 551. OPEN MEETINGS A rule adopted under Subsection (c) that limits the amount of time that a member of the public may address the governmental body m... Texas Statutes : Texas Public Comment Law - State Bar of Texas Articles 861 (H.B. 2840) (D-Canales). 3. Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code $551.001 et seq. (the public comment L... State Bar of Texas Articles : Show all Dive deeper in AI Mode Al responses may include mistakes. For legal advice, consult a professional. Learnmore d Texas Statutes (.gov) pssivtsgplalmasger ) htm > GV.551.htm GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 551. OPEN MEETINGS Section 552.133. This section does not limit the right of a public power utility governing body to hold a closed session under any other exception provided : People also ask : What is Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code? What is Section 552.108 in the Texas government code? htps/wwwgoogle.com'sarehgewnichsaconrd-PXegpotcddercas-wgntofrcundhmormpondto-pdic-commamiatr-ICIGCEUe. 2/5 IILILD, IU:30 AM wn - secu . or IA yovu coue uear win nignu or councir tO respona to puDic comment Googie searcn / Y What is section 551.074 of the Texas government code? Feedback Attorney General (.gov) tpswww.oagsialelkus > 2021-conference Public Participation During Open mietings Texas Government Code section 551.007 was enacted in 2019. . Entitled "Public Testimony," it authorizes a member of the public to address the governmental 35 pages Attorney General (.gov) hitps/wwlexasattoeygeneralgow) divisions OPEN MEETINGS ACT Handboon P2U24 The Texas Supreme Court addressed Government Code section 551.003 in a 2000 case challenging : the agenda even though the agenda included a public comment 136 pages Texas Municipal League https.l/www.tml.org ) DocumentCenter > View PDF Legal Q&A By TML Legal Depalument Q What is House Bill See also TEX. GOVT CODE S 551.007(c) (authorizing the governmental body to adopt rules concerning the public's right to speak at an open meeting Missing: respend - Show results with: respond Texas Statutes (.gov) pauedpleleasgon htm > GV.552.htm GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 552. PUBLIC In this chapter, 'public information" means information that is written, produced, collected, assembled, or maintained under a law or ordinance. Texas Municipal League https.l/www.tml.org > DocumentCenter: > View TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT ppwvs MADE EASY When a governmental body holds a closed meeting to discuss a lawsuit under the attorney consultation exception, section 551.071 of the Government Code, the. htps/wwwgoogle.com'ateilg-wnch-sestsacdonrdi-PXegptcdderdeas-wih-oneoircundhmo-sponaprpabiecommeniatr-ICIGCEU.e. 3/5 1I4ILD, IU.Jo AIVI wIII seu a OI IA yuvi coue uea > wII nynu UI LUI LU esponu lU puune cuI IL Guuyie oua X Texas Public Comment Law Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code $551.001 et seq. (the public comment law at section 551.007 applies to all Texas governmental Attorney General (.gov) htps/www.texasatiomeygeneralgowv: > categories Public Meetings . Governmental bodies may comply with Government Code section 551.007 by conducting one public comment session at the beginning of the meeting and may adopt Municode Library tps/Abaymuncde.com tx > mission > codes > C... ARTICLE II. - CITY COUNCIL Code of Ordinances Mission, TX (Texas Government Code ch. 551) and the Public Information Act (Texas Government Code ch. 552). Each board or commission member or department head that has Texas Ethics Commission htps/Nwwahcsstat. tx.us > resources > guides > Goffi... A Guide to Ethics Laws for State Officers'and Employees The legal effect of an Ethics Commission advisory opinion is described in section 571.097 of the Government Code as follows: It is a defense to prosecution People also search for which is a violation of open Texas Open Meetings Act meeting laws in texas? exceptions Texas open Meetings Act Texas Open Meetings Act agenda posting requirements Texas open meetings Act public Texas Public Information Act a Q comment Handbook Texas public information Act - Texas Government Code 552 a exceptions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 . 10 Next htps/Nwwgogle.comisachlg-whichsedhsetiontolHPX-portsoMtederdabs-wih-gnteolreundlbo-espondhbrp.die-ommentértz-ICIGCEU e.. 4/5 CILU, U.s o PuN wI - 6 UI - yuvu UL W uI "yrL UI - 1 U respunu t puunc cuII ouuyie peard Cn X V Timbercrest, Bellmead, TX - From your IP address - Update location Help Send feedback Privacy Terms htps/www.google.comaarcinenélsactonrdi-PXegpAtcoerdas-wtgespondhbopubhie-ommeniate-IC1GCEUe. 5/5 CITY OF BELLMEAD COUNCIL MEETING PUBLIC COMMENT To address the City Council on any matter concerning city business, complete the following information and submit to the City Secretary before the start of the meeting. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less. (Please Print) MEETING DATE NAME: TELEPHONE (optional), ADDRESS: (zip code). REPRESENTING: (YOURSELF) (ORGANIZATION) (OTHER CITY) ARE YOU A RESIDENT OF BELLMEAD? AGENDA ITEM/PUBLIC COMMENT (STATE WHAT MATTER YOU WANT TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL) COMMENTS: I wish to speak. SIGNATURE: By signing, I agree to the Rules of Conduct stated below. The Mayor is in charge of the meeting, will direct the order of the meeting and recognize guests to be heard. When your name is called, please come to the podium and state your name and who you represent if anyone other than yourself. Please limit your remarks to the specific agenda item for which you signed up that is being considered for Action. There will be no City Council discussion or action at this time. Each person will be allowed to speak one time from the podium when recognized by the Mayor. Speaking time is three (3) minutes. When your time is up, please return to your seat sO that others may speak. Any written documents you have for the Council should be given to the City Manager or City Secretary. All speakers who address the Council may not make profane or personally threatening remarks or comments to City Council, Staff, or to any member of Council, or to others in attendance. Any person who does so, or engages in any behavior which substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of any meeting shall, at the discretion of the presiding officer be removed from the meeting. During public comments on specific noticed action items (not a "general public comments" session), the Mayor in their discretion may limit or prohibit speakers from making comments that do not relate to the specific items of the Council noticed agenda item. Failure of a speaker or a member of the audience to comply with the Mayor's discretion to cease comments or behavior that violates these rules is grounds for removal from the meeting. Substantial disruption of a Council meeting is a violation of Texas Penal Code section 42.05 (Class B Misdemeanor). REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM CITIZEN COMMENTS: Citizen Comments during City Council Meetings and Workshops provides citizens an opportunity to make comments or present information to the City Council on agenda items. All comments must be directed to the City Council and not an individual Council Member or City Staff. Speakers are limited to three (3) minutes and time shall not be donated to other speakers. After submitting the completed Request to Speak form and submitting to the City Administrative staff, you will be recognized by the Chair to speak. You may approach the speaker's podium and begin comments. Please complete the information on the form below and submit it to the City Secretary prior to the start of the Council Meeting for comments during Citizen Comments or prior to the introduction of the item during Public Hearings. First Name Last Name Address Phone Number Are you a resident in Bellmead? Date of Meeting Yes No Citizen Comment on Agenda Item(s) Public Hearing I would like to address the Mayor and City Council on the following agenda item(s): Agenda item number(s) Topic/Subject No. No. No. No. No. No. IF YOU HAVE PRESENTATION ITEMS YOU WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT TO THE CITY COUNCIL, PLEASE HAND THEM TO THE CITY SECRETARY FOR DISTRIBUTION.