SB147 Summary

• Amends Section 36-25A-5.1 to allow members of multi-county governmental bodies to participate in meetings via telephone, video conference, or similar electronic communications equipment with at least three members or a quorum majority physically present.

• Electronic participation counts as presence for all purposes except quorum establishment, and access information must be published with the meeting notice.

• Public must be able to hear meetings held electronically but governmental bodies are not required to allow public participation beyond audio access.

• Prohibits electronic participation for seven specific governmental bodies including the Board of Pardons and Paroles, Public Service Commission, Standing committees of the Legislature during session, and the Alabama Ethics Commission.

• Adds new Section 36-25A-5.2 allowing county and municipal governmental bodies to permit electronic participation when members are unable to attend due to illness, with a full quorum physically present and an electronic meeting policy required 45 days before first use.