This bill amends RSA 91-A:2, III, which pertains to the criteria and procedures for remote participation in government meetings. The bill allows, but does not require, public bodies to enable members to participate in meetings electronically when in-person attendance is not reasonably practical, a determination that must be described in the meeting minutes. The bill specifies that a quorum must be physically present at the meeting location unless an emergency is declared by the chair, with the reasons included in the minutes. It also requires that all parts of a meeting open to the public must be audible or discernable at the meeting's location, and members participating remotely must be able to hear and speak to each other, as well as be discernable to the public. Members participating remotely must identify their location and any persons present with them. All votes taken during such a meeting must be by roll call.
The bill also introduces new language that sets expectations for in-person attendance at meetings, stating that remote attendance should not be more than occasional and not allowed for successive meetings without justification. It outlines legitimate reasons for remote attendance, such as work, medical reasons, weather conditions, or childcare, but excludes being absent from the state for 28 or more consecutive days, except for medical reasons. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.