Raised Bill No. 5315, introduced by the Committee on Government Administration and Elections (GAE), pertains to the participation of members during remote and hybrid municipal public agency meetings under the Freedom of Information Act. The bill amends Section 1-225a of the general statutes, effective October 1, 2024, to define terms such as "public agency," "meeting," "executive session," "electronic equipment," "electronic transmission," and introduces the term "municipal public agency." It specifies that members of a municipal public agency who are not attending a meeting in person must participate using electronic equipment capable of transmitting video, except under certain circumstances such as technical issues.

The bill outlines the requirements for public agencies conducting meetings via electronic equipment, including providing notice and agenda, ensuring the meeting is recorded or transcribed, and allowing public participation. It mandates roll call votes when any member participates electronically, unless the vote is unanimous, and requires members to be visible when speaking or voting, to the extent practicable. The bill also addresses interruptions during electronic meetings, specifying procedures for resumption or adjournment. It clarifies that public agencies are not required to offer electronic participation opportunities for public comment if not required by law for in-person attendance. The bill includes deletions and insertions to update the legal language and ensure clarity in the conduct of remote and hybrid meetings for municipal public agencies.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 1-225a
GAE Joint Favorable: 1-225a
File No. 445: 1-225a
PD Joint Favorable: 1-225a