The bill H.145, introduced by Representative Harrison, aims to enhance the management of public meetings by allowing the chairs of public bodies to establish rules regarding public comment and to address disruptions during meetings. It explicitly authorizes public bodies to remove individuals who violate these rules and introduces a provision for disorderly conduct that includes substantial impairment of a meeting's effective conduct as a violation. The bill emphasizes the balance between citizens' rights to free speech and assembly and the need for orderly governmental proceedings.

Key amendments include the insertion of language that clarifies the intent of the General Assembly to ensure that public bodies can adopt reasonable rules for public participation while maintaining order. It also specifies that individuals can be removed from meetings for disruptive behavior and may face restrictions on attending in-person meetings for up to 60 days, with the option to participate electronically. Additionally, the bill modifies the disorderly conduct statute to include actions that significantly disrupt public meetings. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1-312, 13-1026