Board Meeting: Public Comment

Introduction:

The Texas State School Safety Center Board of Directors is exempt from the public comment requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act in accordance with Government Code 551.007 as it is an entity defined in Government Code section 551.001(3)(A) and not one of the entities defined in 551.001(3)(B)-(L). In the interest of transparency and good governance the board has adopted, in the governing bylaws of the board, a process for public comments in accordance with this Public Comment Policy and Procedures document. The policies and procedures outlined may not follow all the requirements of other boards or commissions that are not exempt. This document serves as the non-binding process by which the board will receive comments and is subject to change by the board upon a vote of a majority of the voting members of the board.

Persons wishing to “comment” during the citizen comment period of a board meeting may do so in the following ways:

1. Written Public Comments

Written public comments to be submitted online. A copy of your comments will be provided to each of the board members and the TxSSC director.

Terms for written public comment:

• Electronic written comments must be submitted through the Public Comment Form and will be forwarded to each of the board members and the TxSSC director.
  
• Must have submitted the written Public Comment Form online by 4:30pm the day prior to the scheduled meeting. The online form can be accessed by clicking the 'Continue to Form' button below.
• Comments related to grievances against TxSSC employees are not allowed. These grievances should be addressed with the TxSSC director.
  

2. In-Person Public Comments

In-person public comments to be presented at an upcoming in-person board meeting. By choosing this option I agree to the terms detailed below. (This option is not applicable for meetings conducted virtually.)

Terms for in-person public comment:

• Only accepted at in-person meetings. No in-person comments will be accepted for any virtually hosted meetings; however, written comments are accepted.
• Must have submitted the in-person Public Comment Form online by 4:30pm the day prior to the scheduled meeting in reference to the proposed comments. The online form can be accessed by clicking the 'Continue to Form' button below.
• In-person comments are limited to the first 20 people who submit the online public comment form.
• Each individual is limited to 3 minutes to speak.
• Only one individual may speak per 3-minute comment slot.
  
• Individuals shall be called to speak based on the order of forms submitted.
• An individual shall not speak until called upon by the presiding officer of the board.
• Anyone not present when their name is called is subject to forfeiting their comment period.
• When called upon each speaker must state their name and city where they reside.
  
• Comments related to grievances against TxSSC employees are not allowed. These grievances should be addressed with the TxSSC Director.
• Speakers will address comments to the board and not other speakers or staff.
• Other than specific factual information or recitation of existing policy or law, the speaker will not receive a response from the board in regard to their comments.
  
• Other than registered speakers using their allotted time, the audience shall refrain from commenting, deliberating, posing questions or otherwise interrupting the meeting unless directly called upon by the presiding officer.

If you would like to submit your written public comments online, or to sign up to present your public comments in-person please submit your request by clicking the Continue to Form button below.