Bill No.: SF0027 Drafter: LNS
LSO No.: 12LSO-0098 Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Enrolled Act No.: SEA0063
Chapter No.: CH0075
Prime Sponsor: Joint Judiciary Interim Committee
Catch Title: Public meetings.
Subject: Amendment of the public meeting statutes.
Summary/Major Elements: This act:
· Amends the definition of "meeting" to mean an assembly of at least a quorum of the governing body of an agency called for the expressed purpose of discussion or taking action regarding public business.
· Provides that an "assembly" for purposes of a public meeting includes any means of communication in person, by means of telephone or electronic communication, or any other means where members are capable of communicating contemporaneously.
· Clarifies that the provisions of the public meeting act cannot be circumvented by sequential communication or communication conducted in such a manner that the public cannot hear, read, or otherwise discern meeting discussion contemporaneously.
· Amends the notification requirements for a special meeting, requiring notification be issued at least eight (8) hours prior to commencement of a special meeting.
· Provides a civil penalty for violation of the act rather than a criminal penalty.