House Bill No. 682 amends R.S. 24:8 to expand the authority of Louisiana legislators to attend meetings of both state and local entities. The bill replaces the previous language that limited attendance to state boards, commissions, agencies, and committees, allowing legislators to participate in meetings of local entities as well. This includes both public meetings and those held in private or executive sessions. The bill also introduces definitions for "state entity," "local entity," and "local government," clarifying that a local entity is one composed of a majority of individuals who are not elected.

The effective date of the bill is contingent upon the governor's signature or the expiration of the time for bills to become law without the governor's signature. If the bill is vetoed and later approved by the legislature, it will take effect the day after such approval. The amendments adopted by the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs further refine the scope of the bill by limiting the authorization for legislators to attend meetings of state or local entities rather than public bodies.

Statutes affected:
HB682 Original:
HB682 Engrossed: