The bill amends various sections of Vermont law to enhance transparency and accessibility in public meetings and to clarify definitions related to public bodies. Notably, the definition of "undue hardship" is revised to focus on the significant difficulty or expense faced by a government unit in achieving compliance, considering factors such as available resources and staffing. Additionally, the bill mandates that all meetings of public bodies be open to the public, with specific requirements for electronic recording and hybrid meeting formats, while also providing exceptions for site inspections and field visits.

Furthermore, the bill introduces changes to the procedures for executive sessions, requiring a two-thirds vote for State public bodies to enter such sessions and stipulating that the nature of the business must be indicated. It also expands the definition of disorderly conduct to include actions that disturb lawful assemblies or meetings, with a focus on maintaining the effective conduct of public meetings. The bill is intended to align with constitutional requirements and will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1-310, 1-312, 1-313
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 1-310, 1-312, 1-313
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 1-310, 1-312, 1-313
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 1-310, 1-312, 1-313, 13-1026
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 1-310, 1-312, 1-313, 13-1026
As Enacted: 1-310, 1-312, 1-313, 13-1026