This bill amends current law to allow public bodies in New Jersey to conduct meetings and public business through electronic means without the previous restriction that such practices were only permissible during declared states of emergency. Specifically, it enables public bodies to conduct meetings, open them to the public, vote, and receive public comments using communication or electronic equipment at any time. The bill ensures that any meetings held electronically must still be accessible to the public in accordance with existing open public meeting laws.

Additionally, the bill allows public bodies to provide electronic notice of meetings instead of the traditional adequate notice required under the Open Public Meetings Act, particularly during emergencies. It emphasizes that public business discussed in these electronic meetings should be limited to matters essential for the ongoing operation of government related to the emergency declaration. The Department of Community Affairs and the State Board of Education are authorized to adopt regulations to implement this act, which will take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10:4-9.3