HB195 Summary

• Defines and prohibits "serial meetings" — a series of gatherings where less than a quorum attends each individual meeting but collectively they constitute a quorum, with no public notice, and members deliberate matters expected to come before the full governmental body within seven days of a vote.

• Clarifies the Alabama Legislature is solely governed by the Alabama Constitution requiring open doors except when secrecy is voted necessary; no other provisions of the Open Meetings Act apply to the Legislature.

• Reaffirms that private citizens, media organizations, and the Attorney General may bring civil actions for Open Meetings Act violations and receive all civil penalties awarded.

• Sets civil penalties ranging from a minimum of $1 to a maximum of $1,000 per meeting or one-half of a defendant's monthly salary (whichever is less) for violations, with penalties paid to the prevailing plaintiff.

• Expands the definition of "deliberation," "governmental body," and "meeting" to include informal discussions among a quorum intended to influence voting on matters expected to come before the body.