This bill amends the General Laws to allow members of a public body that is solely advisory in nature to participate remotely in open public meetings using videoconferencing technology. The bill also requires the public body to provide members of the public with the opportunity to attend the meeting remotely using videoconferencing technology. The bill also includes provisions for members of a public body to participate in meetings via electronic communication or telephone communication under certain circumstances. The bill also authorizes the University of Rhode Island board of trustees members to participate remotely in open public meetings of the board, with certain conditions.

The bill also amends the purposes for which a public body may hold a closed meeting. It adds new purposes, such as discussions or considerations related to the acquisition or lease of real property for public purposes, discussions related to a prospective business or industry locating in Rhode Island, and discussions of the personal finances of a prospective donor to a library. The bill also includes provisions to prevent the use of electronic communication to circumvent the requirements of open meetings, while still allowing for certain discussions and meetings via electronic communication.