House Bill No. by Representative Knox amends R.S. 42:23 to enhance transparency in public meetings by mandating that all public entities created by law must video record and broadcast live all proceedings in such meetings. This requirement extends to nonelected boards or commissions with the authority to levy taxes, ensuring that their meetings are accessible to the public. The bill clarifies that "broadcast live" refers to the real-time distribution of audio and video via the internet or television, and it also stipulates that technological failures beyond the control of the public body will not constitute a violation of this requirement.

Additionally, the bill retains existing provisions that exempt executive sessions from the live broadcast requirement and emphasizes the need for public bodies to establish standards for the use of recording equipment to maintain decorum during meetings. The amendments include the replacement of the term "Paragraph" with "Subsection" in the relevant sections, reflecting a reorganization of the legal text. Overall, this legislation aims to improve public access to governmental proceedings and enhance accountability among public entities.

Statutes affected:
HB627 Original: 42:23(B)(1)