Discussions Are Okay If You Don’t Talk About Them

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A Texas legislator has filed a bill that would let members of public boards meet privately and discuss public business, as long as there isn’t a quorum — and provided none of those involved share the information that is discussed with any other board member, except in a public forum. State Rep. Toby Goodman, the sponsor, claims this should end confusion among public officials about when they can informally discuss public business, yet at the same time prevent “walking quorums” where deals are worked out in a series of one-on-one conversations. (1/31/05)