Conroe City Council is changing its meeting structure beginning in September to comply with House Bill 1522, which updates how cities must post public notices.
The Conroe City Council will modify its meeting procedures beginning in September to comply with new mandates established by House Bill 1522, effective September 1.
The legislation, approved by state legislators earlier this year, modifies the requirements for how municipalities and counties must disseminate public notices. Governing bodies will now be required to post agendas at least three business days before a meeting, replacing the previous 72-hour rule. Weekends and holidays are no longer included in that posting period.
The Conroe City Council voted on August 28 to restructure its meetings to comply with the requirements. City Attorney Mike Garner stated that the council will discontinue the practice of holding separate workshop sessions to discuss items before voting. Agenda items will be discussed and voted on in the same meeting.
Public Information Officer Andrew Yousse presented the revised schedule, featuring a rotation of evening and morning meetings to ensure public accessibility. Meetings are scheduled for September 11 at 6 p.m., September 25 at 9:30 a.m., October 9 at 6 p.m., and October 23 at 9:30 a.m. In both November and December, there will be one meeting scheduled for 9:30 a.m. each month.
City officials stated that the modifications aim to ensure adherence to the new state law while preserving opportunities for residents to engage and participate.
House Bill 1522 is among the various transparency-focused measures enacted during the latest legislative session. Proponents argue that the bill provides more precise guidance on public notice obligations, particularly for meetings scheduled near weekends or holidays. Critics have expressed concerns that transitioning from a 72-hour rule to a “business day” calculation may lead to confusion for smaller cities or those familiar with the previous standard.
Officials in Conroe indicated that the adjustment is expected to enhance operational efficiency while ensuring the public remains informed.
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