HB85 Summary

• Amends Section 41-14A-6 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to allow SAFE Program board members and committees to participate in meetings via telephone conference, video conference, or similar communications equipment with all participants able to hear each other simultaneously.

• Requires all board meetings and notices to comply with the Alabama Open Meetings Act (Section 36-25A-1 et seq.), with exceptions only for confidential sessions involving information protected under state and federal law.

• Public members must be given the opportunity to simultaneously listen to or observe meetings held via virtual technology.

• Requires appointing authorities to coordinate appointments to ensure board membership reflects the racial, gender, geographic, urban, rural, and economic diversity of the state.

• Effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.