Frequently Asked Questions For Liaisons Only - Open Meetings
Open Meetings
How do I access and fill out the submission form?
Login to the Liaison Center. Click on “Submit Open Meeting” to access the form.
Fill in all applicable fields. The “Board” and “Committee” field should be left blank unless the meeting being posted is for a specific board or committee of the agency. (The agency name is automatically included when the open meeting is filed). If the meeting is an emergency meeting, indicate "yes" and fill in the reason for the emergency. The “Additional Information” field should include an individual’s name and phone number or email address that members of the public would contact for information about the meeting. You may copy and paste your agenda into the agenda field. A separate document file for the agenda is not required. Click “Submit”.
How do I know that my posting has been accepted?
Submission of an open meeting posting will generate on screen confirmation of the filing as well as an emailed acknowledgement of receipt to the liaison filing the meeting.
Please note: acknowledgement of receipt does not guarantee that the posting is statutorily acceptable according to §551.043 of the Government Code. It is the agency’s responsibility to ensure that its open meeting postings fulfill statutory filing requirements for adequate prior notice.
May I cancel an open meeting notice once it has been posted?
Yes. In the Liaison Center, click on the TRD for the meeting to be cancelled in the "My Open Meetings" grid. On the summary page for the meeting, click the "Cancel Meeting" button. Confirm that you want to cancel the meeting by clicking "Submit".
How do I verify that my open meeting notice has been canceled?
You will receive on screen confirmation of the cancellation as well as an emailed acknowledgement of receipt.
May I delete an open meeting notice once it has been posted?
Notice of an open meeting becomes public information once posted, and therefore may not be deleted by an agency or its representative. Open meeting postings may be revised or canceled and re-submitted.
What statutes govern open meetings?
Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, details rules pertaining to open meetings, including definitions and specific deadlines. For interpretation of specific rules, please consult legal counsel or the Texas Attorney General’s office.
What types of governing bodies post open meeting notices with the Texas Register?
Statewide governmental bodies as well as regional agencies with jurisdiction extending into four or more counties are required to post notice of their meetings with the Secretary of State.
For interpretation specific to your agency, please consult legal counsel or the Texas Attorney General’s office.
When must I post an open meeting notice with the Texas Register?
Regional agencies with jurisdiction extending into four or more counties must post notice of their meetings at least 72 hours before the scheduled time of the meeting. Governmental bodies with statewide jurisdiction must post open meetings notices at least seven days before the day of the meeting.
For interpretation specific to your agency, please consult legal counsel or the Texas Attorney General’s office.
