The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13D.065, to authorize public bodies to use social media for live broadcasting meetings, while ensuring compliance with Open Meeting Law. It introduces new provisions that allow members of a public body to engage with the general public through social media, provided that such interactions are limited to public exchanges. Additionally, the bill specifies that if a public body chooses to broadcast a meeting via social media, it is not required to include a comment feature, but if comments are accepted, they must be managed according to established rules of order.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that public bodies must include information about the social media broadcast in their required meeting notices, detailing how the broadcast can be accessed and the process for submitting public comments. It clarifies that comments made during the broadcast are not considered government records unless specified in the meeting notice. Importantly, the bill also states that social media cannot be used to conduct meetings in a manner that does not meet the interactive technology requirements outlined in existing law. The new provisions will take effect the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 13D.065