S.B. 439 Summary

• Permits boards to conduct virtual meetings using interactive conference technology without requiring all members to be physically present at a single location.

• Requires board members to be visible and audible during public meetings, announce their names at the start, and conduct non-unanimous votes by roll call to show how each member voted.

• Eliminates the requirement to terminate meetings when audio communication fails; instead allows meetings to be recessed for up to one hour when practicable.

• Requires boards to provide at least one physical meeting location open to the public and inform the public how to remotely view meetings and provide oral testimony via internet or telephone.

• Authorizes boards to require in-person attendees to provide names and contact information for contact tracing when a governor has declared a state of emergency for a contagious illness.