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Bill to let advisory boards meet mostly virtually advances; backers say it will boost volunteerism
Summary
LB 8‑98 would let advisory, study or non‑statewide public bodies hold more than half of meetings virtually while retaining a requirement for one in‑person meeting annually; proponents argued the change eases travel burdens and improves recruitment, while media representatives warned it could reduce public oversight.
Senator Dan Lonowski introduced LB 8‑98, which would remove the statutory restriction that advisory boards and commissions may not conduct more than half of their meetings by virtual conferencing, while keeping the requirement that each board hold at least one in‑person meeting per calendar year.
Daryl Bohac, director of the Nebraska State Historical Society, told the committee the change would help boards that must include members from across the state, citing the Semi‑Quincentennial Commission as an example: long travel times have made it difficult to recruit and retain members and to reach quorum without virtual options. "It took almost a year to recruit and fill additional seats," Bohac said, noting monthly meetings and long round‑trip drives for some members.
Monica Gross of the Foster Care Review Office said virtual meetings have allowed more volunteers to participate (her office’s local review boards produce over 500 meetings per year), and that continuing virtual meetings would support diversity and recruitment across rural areas. Other rural officials said the bill would reduce costs and improve access when local newspapers and print publication schedules make timely notice impractical.
Opponents warned that over‑reliance on virtual meetings can reduce public oversight. Korby Gilbertson of Media of Nebraska said face‑to‑face meetings allow reporters and the public to observe side conversations and other context that can be lost remotely: "Having people in the same room while you're conducting the public's business is a very important thing," he said.
Proponents said the bill preserves public access: virtual meetings must keep an open physical site and meet notice requirements. Senator Lonowski asked the committee to advance LB 8‑98 to general file for further consideration.
