The bill amends the Open Meetings Act of 1976 by introducing new provisions regarding remote attendance and participation in public body meetings. It establishes a new section, 3b, which outlines the conditions under which members of public bodies can attend meetings remotely, categorized into Class A, B, and C public bodies. Class A public bodies must have a quorum present in person, while Class B and C bodies have different requirements for remote participation. The bill also emphasizes that all electronic communications during meetings must be shared with all attendees, whether in person or remote, and prohibits private communications among members regarding meeting business.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing sections 3 and 7 of the Open Meetings Act, including the requirement for a two-thirds roll call vote to call a closed session and the maintenance of separate minutes for such sessions. It also repeals section 3a and clarifies that the new provisions regarding remote participation are retroactively applicable. The changes aim to enhance transparency and accessibility in public meetings while ensuring that the rights of individuals to attend and participate are upheld.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 15.263, 15.267