The Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) is a 1967 law which is aimed at protecting the public’s right to have timely notice of government meetings and ensure public business is conducted in an open manner, with limited exceptions.
TOMA includes certain rules that govern speech of citizens and council members. For example, although citizens may speak for three minutes on both agenda and non-agenda items during Citizens Forum, state law limits Council’s responses to either statements of existing policy or facts. Similarly, although TOMA permits Council to inquire about subjects not on the agenda, responses are limited to statements of existing policy or facts.
Because the public has a right to know in advance what will be discussed in government meetings, TOMA prohibits impromptu discussions of non-agenda items that are brought up, whether by citizens or council members. TOMA simply requires such topics be placed on a future agenda.
TOMA requires a quorum (majority) to convene a meeting. In Shenandoah, a quorum of the six member council means that four members must be present for a meeting to begin.
The law also requires that minutes or a recording of the meeting are made and available to the public.
