AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – The Texas House has cleared a bill strengthening the state’s open records laws after a border city refused to say how much it paid pop star Enrique Iglesisas for a concert.
The measure gives tentative approval to requiring more disclosure over entertainment events that use public funds.
The bill follows backlash over the city of McAllen withholding financial details about Iglesias’ performance at a 2015 Christmas parade.
The city had argued that revealing how much Iglesias was paid would negatively impact negotiations with other performers.
The Texas attorney general’s office backed the city, citing public record exceptions long opposed by open government advocates in Texas.
The bill still needs Senate approval and is among several measures aimed at expanding open records laws in the state.
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