This bill amends and reenacts R.S. 42:23 and enacts R.S. 42:19(A)(1)(c) to enhance transparency in public meetings by requiring certain public bodies to broadcast their meetings live. Specifically, it mandates that each public body subject to R.S. 42:23(B)(2) must include sufficient information in their written public notice to enable the public to locate the broadcast. Additionally, the bill specifies that all nonelected boards or commissions with the authority to levy taxes must record or broadcast their public meetings, and it establishes that parish governing authorities with populations of 25,000 or more, school boards in similar-sized parishes, and municipalities with populations of 10,000 or more must also broadcast their meetings live.

The bill further defines "broadcast live" as the real-time distribution of audio and video via the internet or television. It includes provisions that protect public bodies from being penalized for technological failures that prevent live broadcasting, and it clarifies that the requirement does not apply to executive sessions. The language of the bill also updates terminology, replacing "Sonic" with "Audio" in the context of recordings and broadcasts. Overall, the legislation aims to improve public access to governmental proceedings and ensure accountability among public bodies.

Statutes affected:
HB103 Original:
HB103 Engrossed:
HB103 Enrolled:
HB103 Act :