HB244 Summary

• Defines and expressly prohibits "serial meetings" - a series of unannounced gatherings where members collectively constitute a quorum and deliberate on the same matter.

• Expands the Open Meetings Act to apply to the Alabama Legislature, requiring meetings with open doors unless a public vote approves secrecy for executive sessions.

• Establishes that any violation of the Open Meetings Act constitutes a concrete and particularized injury to every Alabama citizen, allowing private citizens to bring civil actions.

• Sets civil penalties at the greater of $1,000 or one-half of a defendant's monthly salary per meeting, with all penalties payable to the prevailing plaintiff rather than the state.

• Becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.