The Texas Open Meetings Act requires that meetings of government bodies, such as city council or school board, be open to the public. The public is allowed to attend these meetings.

But that’s not always the case. If the governing body needs to seek advice from its attorney, discuss buying property or go over certain personnel matters with each other, the board can meet in what is called an executive session. This will usually take place before or after the meeting the public can attend.

The Texas Government Code requires governing bodies to disclose the subjects to be considered in the closed meeting. A school board or a city council, for example, is not expected to disclose its litigation strategy, but it cannot totally conceal that a pending lawsuit will be discussed.

The governing body will move to a private location to discuss these issues. After discussions take place in an executive session, the council or trustees must return to an open session and take any action based on the discussion in front of the public.