HB2481 is a bill that proposes amendments to the Arizona Revised Statutes relating to public meetings and proceedings. The bill expands open meeting law requirements to all public bodies, excluding the Legislature, and mandates that public bodies provide an opportunity for public comment in person before making any final decisions. It also requires that public meeting agendas be made available at least 48 hours before the meeting, as opposed to the current 24-hour requirement, and that these agendas be posted online with hyperlinks to relevant documents under consideration.
The bill removes the Legislature from the definition of a "public body" and applies website posting requirements for statements of legal actions and meeting minutes to all public bodies, not just cities or towns with a population of more than 2,500 persons. Additionally, it requires that sufficient seating be provided to accommodate anticipated attendance at public meetings for all public bodies, not just schools and municipalities. The bill also changes the notice period for public meetings from 24 to 48 hours and makes technical and conforming changes.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 38-431, 38-431.01, 38-431.02, 38-431.08, 38-431.03, 41-1279.04, 1-301
House Engrossed Version: 38-431, 38-431.01, 38-431.02, 38-431.08, 38-431.03, 41-1279.04, 1-301