CS/HB 79 - Public Meetings Summary

• Defines "de facto meeting" as use of staff or third parties as intermediaries to facilitate discussions of public business between board or commission members

• Requires all meetings and de facto meetings of state, county, municipal, and political subdivision boards or commissions to be open to the public when official acts are taken or public business is discussed

• Permits board or commission members to participate in fact-finding exercises, excursions, and meetings with legislators if reasonable notice is provided, the activity is open to public, no votes or agreements occur, no public business is discussed, and records are maintained

• Specifies that no resolution, rule, or formal action is binding unless taken or made at a public meeting with reasonable notice provided

• Takes effect upon becoming law