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Senate votes to require formal rules before public bodies hold electronic meetings
Summary
Lawmakers approved language requiring a public body to adopt a rule, resolution, or ordinance before using electronic meetings and listed items bodies may consider such as anchor locations, quorum and advance notice; senators debated applicability to full legislative sessions.
On Jan. 17 the Senate advanced Senate Bill 12, an amendment meant to clarify when public bodies may hold electronic meetings.
Sponsor Senator Lyle Hilliard described the measure as remedying ambiguity in current law. Under the language presented, a public body may hold an electronic meeting only after adopting a ‘‘resolution, rule, or ordinance governing the use of electronic meetings’’ and the statute lists items bodies should consider, including anchor locations, quorum requirements, advance requests and limits on connections.
‘‘We require more formal action, not just written procedure,’’ Hilliard said, adding that the statute’s lists are advisory (‘‘may’’) so local governing bodies can tailor rules to their circumstances.
Senator Bell objected to extending electronic meetings to plenary legislative sessions, saying such remote participation would ‘‘dilute the effectiveness’’ of large bodies and reduce meaningful interchange. Other senators acknowledged limited conveniences — for scheduling or committee attendance — but emphasized caution.
A constitutional question about whether representatives may cast votes electronically was asked; staff indicated no constitutional barrier. In summation, the sponsor said the bill removes ambiguity and makes clear electronic meetings require a formal local rule, resolution or ordinance.
The roll call on moving SB 12 to third reading recorded 22 yes votes, 5 no votes and 2 absences.
