County staff warned the Victoria County Commissioners Court on Monday that House Bill 1522 will change the posting requirements for most public meetings and take effect for the court’s Sept. 8 meeting.
Chris, a county staff member who briefed the court, said, “HB 1522 was passed during the last regular legislative session. ... it changed the posting requirement for meetings ... from the 72 hour rule ... to 3 business days.” He told commissioners the county is taking a conservative approach: “we will need to start posting on Tuesdays for the following Monday.”
Why it matters: the shorter statutory window could complicate routine Monday agendas and budget workshops that staff typically prepare within the previous week, potentially forcing changes to how and when agenda items and supporting materials are finalized and posted.
Court discussion and next steps: Chris said the county is waiting for guidance from the Texas Association of Counties and the County Judges and Commissioners Association and has requested a legal opinion. He said staff hopes further guidance will clarify whether a Wednesday posting will be acceptable, but advised commissioners to plan for the conservative Tuesday-to-Monday posting schedule “for right now.”
Commissioners raised practical concerns about scheduling and agenda length. One commissioner suggested internal deadlines be set: “that everybody just has to have it by Friday, the Monday before for the following Monday.” No formal action was taken; the item was informational.
Public timing: Chris confirmed the change “will be effective for our September 8” meeting because Sept. 1 is Labor Day. Staff said they sent an explanatory email to officials and encouraged commissioners to review public commentary and guidance already available online.
What remains unresolved: staff is awaiting formal written guidance and a legal opinion that could change the county’s posting practice. The court did not adopt a formal policy at the meeting.