The bill amends the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 by introducing a new section that mandates annual training for members of public governing bodies, including city councils, county boards, and school boards. This training is designed to ensure that these officials are well-informed about the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act. The training must be at least one hour long, conducted in-person or via live video conference by a knowledgeable individual, and open to the public.
The training will cover several key areas, including any newly enacted legislation, recent court precedents, requirements for public meetings and records, and best practices for responding to public records requests. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act among public officials.