HI HB608

Requires the board of education to hold no fewer than six community forums annually, with at least one forum held in each county, to discuss public education and public library issues.

Mandates the board of education include an open forum at the end of each properly noticed public meeting to allow interested persons to present oral testimony on matters not on the agenda.

Requires the board of education to report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2022 regular session convening on its efforts to amend policies to include open forums for public testimony.

Eliminates the superintendent of education as a voting member in the public employer group for collective bargaining negotiations with department of education personnel, leaving only the governor (3 votes) and board of education (2 votes) for bargaining units (5) and (6).

Exempts community forums from chapter 92 (open meetings law) requirements, but makes regular board meetings subject to full chapter 92 compliance; effective date is July 1, 2050.