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Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

Does El Paso City Council limit how long each person can speak during public comment?

Brandy Ruiz, El Paso Matters
yes

Speakers at El Paso City Council meetings are granted up to three minutes to present their position on issues during public comment, according to the city’s rules of order.

Texas open meeting laws require governmental bodies to allow for public address but allows each entity to adopt its own rules regarding time limits.

Other municipalities in El Paso County with three-minute time limits include the city of Socorro, the Town of Horizon City and the city of San Elizario, according to their meeting agendas and municipal codes.

Public comment at El Paso County Commissioners Court meetings are limited to five minutes per person, the county’s website states.

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