HB 6651 Summary

• Allows public agencies to hold remote meetings via conference call, videoconference, or other technology with simultaneous public access, recording/transcription within 7 days, and 24-hour advance posting of agendas and materials on websites.

• Modifies Freedom of Information Act requirements to define remote meetings as "open to the public" and requires political subdivisions conducting remote meetings to post minutes on their websites.

• Authorizes department heads to suspend or modify regulatory requirements between the effective date and December 31, 2021, to reduce COVID-19 spread and protect public health.

• Permits remote notarization of documents through electronic means with identity verification and same-day document transmission, though attorneys must supervise self-proving affidavits for wills and real estate closings.

• Requires municipalities to use best efforts to conduct town meetings and elections scheduled between June 30 and December 31, 2021, using remote means while safeguarding procedural integrity and public health.