This bill proposes modifications to the existing right to know law, specifically addressing the conditions under which remote participation in public meetings is permitted. It repeals and reenacts RSA 91-A:2, III to allow members of public bodies within a political subdivision to participate in meetings electronically if authorized by a vote of the governing body. This authorization can be revoked, renewed, or modified as needed, and does not apply to the general court. Remote participation is only allowed when physical attendance is not reasonably practical, and the reason for this must be recorded in the meeting minutes. A quorum or at least one-third of the public body's members must be physically present at the meeting location, and all members must be able to see and hear each other throughout the meeting. Members participating remotely are considered present for quorum and voting purposes.
The bill also stipulates that members must be audible and/or visible to the public at the meeting's physical location, and those participating remotely must identify any persons present with them. Electronic mail or other forms of communication that do not allow the public to contemporaneously follow the meeting discussion are prohibited. In emergencies where immediate action is required and physical presence is impractical, the physical presence requirement can be waived by the chair or presiding officer, with the reasoning documented in the meeting minutes. Finally, any meeting conducted under these provisions must comply with all public meeting requirements of the chapter and uphold the spirit and purpose of the right to know law. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.