Texas
TOMA
Formally: Texas Open Meetings Act
Tex. Gov't Code §§ 551.001–551.146
Sunshine Score
| Advance Notice | 3 days, online posting required |
|---|---|
| Public Comment | Required, remote allowed, written accepted |
| Closed Sessions | 5 permitted categories |
| Minutes | Required |
| Recording | Not required |
| Remote Participation | Allowed |
| Enforcement | Voidable, legislature exempt |
Agenda & Notice Requirements
Online posting: Required
Post notice at least 72 hours before meeting at city hall/courthouse and on agency website; emergency meetings require at least 2 hours notice
Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — majority vote (72-hour notice required for non-emergency additions)
Public Participation
Time limits: No statutory time limit; body may adopt reasonable rules limiting total time per member of the public on a given item. Translator-assisted speakers must receive at least double the standard time. Tex. Gov't Code § 551.007(c)-(d).
A governmental body shall allow each member of the public who desires to address the body regarding an agenda item to do so before or during consideration of that item. The body may adopt reasonable rules, including limiting total time per speaker or per item. A rule limiting time must provide translator-assisted speakers at least twice the standard allotment. Tex. Gov't Code § 551.007.
Virtual Meetings
Allowed under Tex. Gov't Code § 551.127; videoconference meetings permitted and remote members count as present for all purposes. However, a physical quorum must be present at the main meeting location for local bodies; state or multi-county bodies require only the presiding officer to be physically present. Two-way audio/video required.
Closed Sessions
Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances
Permitted Categories
Meeting Minutes
Online posting: Not required
Content requirements: all final actions taken, votes by member (Tex. Gov Code § 551.021)
Recording & Broadcast
Enforcement
Scope
This law applies to:
Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)
Accessibility & Language Access
ADA accessibility: ADA Title II applies to all public meetings. The state statute does not add requirements beyond federal law; reasonable accommodations must be provided on request.
Language access: No statutory language-access mandate beyond federal Civil Rights Act Title VI obligations for recipients of federal funds.