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 with populations greater than 300. The bill specifies that if a board does not have a website, it must maintain a social media page to provide access to the recordings. Additionally, it outlines the conditions under which recordings are not required to be the official record of the meeting and the procedures to follow in case of technological failures during recording.

The legislation also clarifies that certain boards, such as those of counties with populations under 4,500 and third-class cities or towns with populations over 300, must adhere to these recording requirements. The bill emphasizes the importance of transparency in public meetings by ensuring that audio recordings are accessible to the public in a timely manner, thereby enhancing accountability and public engagement in local governance.

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: 2-3-214
HB0393_2(1): 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: 2-3-214