HB558 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 36-25A-5.1 to allow members of all governmental bodies to participate in meetings by electronic communication (telephone, video conference, or similar equipment), with such participation counting toward quorum establishment.

• Requires every meeting (except executive sessions) to maintain at least one physical location where the public can attend and hear all remotely participating members, with participation complying with the Open Meetings Act.

• Mandates posting of meeting summaries within 48 hours on the governmental body's website (or alternative public notice method if no website exists), detailing deliberations and actions with reasonable specificity.

• Prohibits electronic participation for specific bodies including the Board of Pardons and Paroles, Public Service Commission, legislative standing committees during session, and bodies conducting quasi-judicial proceedings or professional licensure hearings.

• Requires all votes at electronically-conducted meetings to be roll call votes audible to all participants and requires a majority of quorum to be physically present at the noticed meeting location.