HB 166 Summary

• Allows boards to conduct meetings using interactive conference technology on a permanent basis, not just during emergencies, to expand public participation and protect health and safety.

• Requires board members participating virtually to be visible and audible to other members and the public during open meetings, and mandates roll call votes (unless unanimous) so voting records are clear.

• Permits boards to provide at least one public meeting location where members of the public can observe virtually or testify remotely, without requiring board members to be physically present at that location.

• Allows meetings conducted by interactive conference technology to be recessed for up to one hour if audio communication fails, rather than requiring the meeting to be terminated.

• Authorizes boards to require in-person attendees to provide names and contact information for contact tracing and comply with safety measures (facial coverings, distancing) when a governor has declared a state of emergency for a contagious illness.