The Texas Senate passed bills SB 656 and SB 657 authored by Texas State Senator Ken Paxton, R-McKinney on Thursday, April 11.

SB 656 provides transparency in the budget adoption process of municipalities and counties and SB 657 relates to procedural requirements for adopting and filing a school district budget. Both bills will make it easier for citizens to find summary information about budgets and tax rates adopted by cities, counties and school districts.

"Providing transparency regarding the use of public tax dollars has been an ongoing goal throughout my time in the legislature," said Sen. Paxton. "I believe government transparency fosters government accountability and I am proud both of these bills were passed by the Senate."

More information on both bills can be found below:

SB 656: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=SB656

SB 657: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=SB657

Story courtesy of the Texas Senate