House Bill 205 - Transparent Governance & Integrity Act Summary

• Prohibits government agencies from entering non-disclosure agreements that restrict access to public records, effective October 1, 2023, with such contracts themselves being public records unless confidentiality is mandated by law.

• Requires Council of State meetings to comply with open meeting laws under Article 33C of Chapter 143, with minutes and journals posted online within 10 business days, and mandates adoption of parliamentary procedure rules by October 1, 2023.

• Requires county and city governing board members to participate in financial management education covering fiscal and debt management principles, with mandatory completion triggered by Local Government Commission oversight or inclusion on Unit Assistance List.

• Establishes fund balance reserve accounts in general and enterprise funds limited to 5% of total appropriations, with annual budget reporting requirements and restrictions on fund use and withdrawals.

• Protects whistleblower confidentiality by prohibiting disclosure of personally identifiable information (name, address, email, phone, employment) for persons reporting improper governmental activity to the Local Government Commission.