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 meeting records. The bill specifies that boards with populations under 4,500 and third-class cities or towns with populations greater than 300 are required to adhere to these recording and availability standards.

Additionally, the bill outlines the timeline for making recordings available, with different deadlines for various boards. For instance, certain boards must make recordings available within one business day, while others have up to five business days. The legislation also provides provisions for boards that do not maintain a website, allowing them to use social media to share recordings. Furthermore, it clarifies that audio recordings are not required to be the official record of the meeting and can be destroyed 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(7): 2-3-214
HB0393_X: 2-3-214