HI HB190

Allows boards to conduct meetings by interactive conference technology (virtual meetings) as a permanent measure, not just during emergencies, while making such meetings optional rather than mandatory.

Requires board members participating virtually to be visible and audible to other members and the public during public meetings, with presiding officers announcing participating members' names at the start of meetings.

Eliminates the previous requirement that virtual meetings be terminated when audio communication fails; instead allows meetings to be recessed for up to one hour when communication cannot be maintained.

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

Requires meeting notices to include board contact information for written testimony submission and inform the public how to remotely view meetings and provide oral testimony through internet links or telephone conference.