The bill amends the Open Meetings Act of 1976 by updating Section 8, which outlines the circumstances under which a public body may hold closed sessions. Key insertions include the clarification that individuals requesting a closed session can rescind their request at any time, after which the matter must be discussed in an open session. Additionally, the bill expands the list of permissible reasons for closed sessions to include considerations related to settling claims against the public body, contemplating lawsuits, and consulting on criminal investigations involving members or employees of the public body.

The bill also specifies that the independent citizens redistricting commission is not allowed to meet in closed session for any purpose. Other notable changes include the replacement of the term "hearing" with "session" in various contexts, ensuring that all interviews for public office appointments are held in open meetings unless confidentiality is requested by the candidate. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance transparency while still allowing for necessary confidentiality in specific situations.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 15.268
As Passed by the Senate: 15.268