This bill amends the right-to-know law by specifying that only the portions of minutes or decisions that are directly covered by a motion to enter a nonpublic session may be withheld from public disclosure. It mandates that minutes from nonpublic sessions must include the start and end times of the meeting, in addition to the existing requirements for recording actions and votes of members. The bill stipulates that minutes and decisions from nonpublic sessions should be made available to the public within 72 hours, unless a two-thirds majority of members present votes to withhold information due to potential adverse effects on individuals' reputations or other specified concerns, such as terrorism-related matters.

Additionally, the bill requires that a list of minutes or decisions withheld from public disclosure be maintained and made available as soon as practicable. This list must include details such as the public body, meeting date, start and end times, the specific exemption relied upon for the nonpublic session, and dates of decisions regarding the withholding of information. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
HB1233 text: 91-A:3