Relating to comments by members of the public at an open meeting of a governmental body on items not on the agenda for that meeting.

HB 3850 requires Texas governmental bodies to allow members of the public to address non-agenda items during open meetings, either before or during consideration of agenda items. It directly affects citizens seeking to comment on topics not formally listed for discussion. The bill mandates that governing bodies permit these comments and sets a minimum limit of five speakers for such non-agenda discussions. The measure is currently pending in committee and would take effect September 1, 2025, if not enacted immediately by a two-thirds vote.