The bill amends South Dakota's open meeting laws to clarify the definition of "teleconference" and the conditions under which meetings of public bodies are considered official. It specifies that an official meeting of a public body is open to the public unless a specific law allows for closure. The bill also outlines that meetings are not considered official if members of a public body are merely providing information or attending another public body's meeting, or if they are present at a press conference. Additionally, it allows public bodies to post a notice of a quorum for events hosted by nongovernmental entities where public policy may be discussed, rather than requiring a full agenda.

Key changes include the insertion of new definitions and clarifications regarding the terms "official meeting" and "teleconference." The definition of "teleconference" is expanded to include various electronic means of communication, such as mail, instant messaging, and virtual meeting platforms. The bill also modifies the language regarding public comment periods, stating that public comment is not required during certain types of meetings, such as executive sessions or presentations of annual reports. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency while accommodating modern communication methods in public meetings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/15/2025: 1-25-1, 1-25-12
House Local Government Engrossed, 01/23/2025: 1-25-1, 1-25-12