HB361 Summary

• Amends Section 36-25A-5.1 of the Alabama Code to allow members of multi-county governmental bodies to participate in meetings via telephone, video, or other electronic communications equipment, with their participation counting as presence for all purposes if at least three members or a majority of a quorum are physically present.

• Removes the prohibition on members participating in executive sessions through electronic means, provided a majority of the quorum remains physically present at the noticed meeting location.

• Requires governmental bodies to publish the means of access to electronic communications in the same manner as the meeting notice, and mandates a physical meeting location where the public can hear and participate to the same extent as at an in-person meeting.

• Maintains existing prohibitions on electronic participation for seven specified governmental bodies, including the Board of Pardons and Paroles, Public Service Commission, and the Alabama Ethics Commission.

• Effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.