AL SB58

Members of governmental bodies comprised of representatives from two or more counties may participate in meetings via telephone conference, video conference, or similar equipment allowing all participants to hear each other simultaneously, with remote participation counting as in-person presence except for quorum purposes.

Every meeting must maintain one physical location available to the public where all remote participants can be heard, published consistent with the Alabama Open Meetings Act.

Board of Pardons and Paroles, Public Service Commission, legislative standing committees during session, State Board of Education, Students First Act governing boards, state boards/agencies acting in quasi-judicial capacity on employment or rule-making, and Alabama Ethics Commission are prohibited from using electronic participation.

A majority of the quorum must be physically present at the noticed meeting location to conduct business, and only physically present members may participate in executive sessions; all votes must be taken by roll call audible to all participants.

Members utilizing remote participation may not claim reimbursement for expenses including mileage and per diem; the act becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage and approval.