The U.S. Supreme Court left in place a decision by a federal appeals court the ruled that the Texas Open Meeting Act was not violating the First Amendment in imposing criminal penalties to enforce the act that prohibited government officials from conducting government business behind closed doors. (Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, March 26, 2013, by Lily Chapa)
“Open, transparent government is fundamental to our democratic system of government. Today’s decision ensures that the Texas Open Meetings Act will continue holding elected officials accountable to conduct the taxpayers’ business in the light of day and in a manner that informs the public about government decision-making,” said Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott about the Supreme Court action. (Politico, March 27, 2013, by Tal Kopan)
The Texas legislature is considering a bill to help elected officials communicate between meetings by e-mail, texting, or tweeting in a transparent way that will not put them in jeopardy under the law. (Amarillo Globe-News, March 25, 2013, by Enrique Rangel)