FL S0206

Create new statute requiring boards and commissions of state agencies, counties, municipalities, and political subdivisions to provide members of the public a reasonable opportunity to be heard before taking official action on propositions.

Allow the opportunity to be heard to occur at a different meeting than the action meeting if it meets the same notice requirements, occurs during the decision-making process, and is within reasonable proximity before the action meeting.

Permit boards and commissions to adopt reasonable rules limiting individual speaking time, requiring group representatives instead of all members to speak at large meetings, prescribing procedures to indicate interest in speaking, and designating specific public comment periods.

Presume compliance with the statute if a board or commission adopts compliant rules and follows them; authorize courts to assess reasonable attorney fees against agencies found in violation and against individuals filing bad faith or frivolous actions.

Exempt from the requirement emergency situations affecting public health, safety or welfare, ministerial acts, closed meetings under existing exemptions, and quasi-judicial proceedings; provide circuit court jurisdiction to issue injunctions; specify that violations do not void actions taken.

Effective July 1, 2012.