SB1822 Summary

• Requires every public body to designate employees, officers, or members to receive training on compliance with the Open Meetings Act and submit their names to the Public Access Counselor.

• Designated personnel must complete an electronic training curriculum developed by the Public Access Counselor within 6 months of the effective date, then annually thereafter; new designees must complete training within 30 days of designation.

• Allows elected school board members, drainage district commissioners, soil and water conservation district directors, and park/forest preserve/conservation district members to satisfy training requirements through alternative courses offered by their respective organizations instead of the state curriculum.

• Members already serving on public bodies as of the 97th General Assembly effective date must complete training within one year; new members must complete training within 90 days of taking office or assuming responsibilities.

• Failure of members to complete training does not invalidate actions taken by the public body, and violations of the Act (except training requirements) are Class C misdemeanors.