What is the new posting deadline for open meetings?
HB 1522 amends Government Code §551.043(a). The open meeting notice is now required to be posted in a place readily accessible to the general public at all times for at least three business days before the scheduled date of the meeting rather than 72 hours before the scheduled time. This bill takes effect Sept. 1, 2025.
The new requirement has raised questions about how to calculate a three-business day period. Conservative calculation is the best practice. For example, if the meeting is scheduled for Thursday, it would be safest to post notice on the preceding Friday before the close of business. For instance, if a meeting is scheduled this year for Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, notice should be posted on Friday, Sept. 12 before the County concludes its business for the weekend.
If the County is closed for business for a holiday or any other reason, that weekday likely does not count in the calculation. For example, if your meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, and the County is closed for business on Monday, Oct. 13 in commemoration of Columbus Day, notice should be posted on Thursday, Oct. 9, giving three business days’ notice before the date of the meeting (Friday, Oct. 10, Tuesday, Oct. 14 and Wednesday, Oct. 15).
The Attorney General may provide guidance before the Sept. 1 effective date. Contact the Attorney General’s Open Government Hotline (512) 478-6736 or call TAC’s Legal Helpline (888) 275-8224 for additional guidance.