The bill mandates that towns must record their public meetings in audio format and make these recordings available online within 14 days. It amends Section 2-3-214 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to include specific requirements for various boards, including those of counties and towns, to ensure transparency and accessibility of public meetings. The bill specifies that certain boards, particularly those with smaller populations, are required to record meetings in audio format only, while others must provide both audio and video recordings.

Additionally, the bill outlines the timeline for making recordings available, with different deadlines for various boards. For instance, some boards must make recordings available within one business day, while others have up to five business days. The legislation also includes provisions for boards that do not maintain a website, requiring them to use social media to share recordings. Furthermore, it clarifies that audio and video recordings are not necessarily the official record of the meeting, allowing for their destruction after one year if not designated as such.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 2-3-214
HB0393_1(1): 2-3-214
HB0393_1(2): 2-3-214
HB0393_1(3): 2-3-214
HB0393_1(4): 2-3-214
HB0393_1(5): 2-3-214
HB0393_1(6): 2-3-214
HB0393_1: 2-3-214
HB0393_2(1): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(10): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(11): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(12): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(13): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(14): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(15): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(16): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(17): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(2): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(3): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(4): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(5): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(6): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(7): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(8): 2-3-214
HB0393_2(9): 2-3-214
HB0393_2: 2-3-214
HB0393_X(1): 2-3-214
HB0393_X(2): 2-3-214
HB0393_X(3): 2-3-214
HB0393_X(4): 2-3-214
HB0393_X(5): 2-3-214
HB0393_X(6): 2-3-214
HB0393_X: 2-3-214