HI HB2597

Allows board members present at a canceled or terminated meeting to receive testimony and presentations on agenda items, with deliberation deferred to a subsequent noticed meeting and a record created of all testimony received.

Permits two or more board members (less than a quorum) to attend informational meetings, legislative hearings, conventions, seminars, or community meetings on official board business and discuss matters during those sessions, with reporting required at the next board meeting.

Authorizes board members to participate in discussions on publicly accessible social media websites about official board business, provided no voting commitments are made and discussions remain publicly viewable for a reasonable time period.

Modifies meeting notice requirements to use electronic calendars on state or county websites as the primary filing method, with lieutenant governor or county clerk as backup if electronic service is interrupted.

Adds "emergency" to the types of meetings requiring written public notice and allows emergency meeting notices to be provided by mail, telephone, or electronic transmission to requesting persons.