Title
Consider and take action on Ordinance No. 2025-47 formally recognizing and declaring Attorney-Client communications as confidential information of the city - Second Reading (City Attorney)
Council approved first reading 7-0-0 with one absent on October 28, 2025.
Background:
Approval of this item will adopt an ordinance establishing how the City Council handles confidential and attorney-client information.
During the last legislative session, the Texas Legislature passed Subchapter K of Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code (HB 4310), which clarifies how Council Members may receive and handle confidential or privileged materials. The new law also allows governing bodies to use confidentiality agreements to protect attorney-client and other sensitive information.
In response, the City Council seeks to adopt a clear and consistent process to protect the City’s legal interests while ensuring that all Council Members have equal access to the information needed to make informed decisions. The ordinance:
• Recognizes attorney-client communications as confidential information of the City.
• Clarifies that only the City Council, or the City Attorney under Council direction, may waive confidentiality.
• Requires Council Members to sign confidentiality agreements in order to receive confidential materials.
Attachments:
1. Ordinance 2025-47
FUNDING
{ } Funds are available from Account #________
{ } Requires Budget Amendment to transfer from Account #______ to Account #______
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STRATEGIC PLANNING
{ } Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor # ______
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