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.