The bill amends Section 42-46-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-46, which pertains to "Open Meetings." It introduces new provisions that authorize the committees of the General Assembly to take testimony from members of the public remotely via electronic communication, including telephonic communication and telephone conferencing. The bill outlines specific requirements for remote participation, ensuring that remote members of the public and all persons present at the meeting location are clearly audible and visible to each other, that a quorum of the body is participating, and that if videoconferencing is used, public notices must inform the public about the virtual meeting and provide instructions on how to access it.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the chapter does not apply to judicial proceedings or municipal court matters and allows for the removal of individuals who disrupt meetings. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3003: 42-46-5