This bill amends current law to allow public bodies in New Jersey to conduct meetings and public business through electronic means without the previous restrictions that limited such practices to periods of declared emergencies. Specifically, it permits 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 clarifies that public bodies will not be in violation of the Senator Byron M. Baer Open Public Meetings Act when performing these functions electronically.

Additionally, the bill allows public bodies to provide electronic notice of meetings instead of the traditional adequate notice required under existing law, as long as the meetings pertain to matters necessary for the ongoing operation of government related to any emergency declaration. The Department of Community Affairs and the State Board of Education are authorized to adopt rules and regulations to implement this act, which will take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10:4-9.3