HB4898 Summary

• Amends the Open Meetings Act to allow public bodies to conduct open or closed meetings by audio or video conference without a physical quorum if the National Weather Service has issued a severe weather alert covering all or part of the public body's jurisdiction on the day of the meeting.

• Requires the head of the public body to determine that an in-person meeting is not practical or prudent due to the severe weather alert before conducting a remote meeting under this provision.

• Mandates that all participating members be verified and able to hear one another and all discussion; for open meetings, the public must have access to hear discussions, testimony, and roll call votes either at the regular meeting location or through alternative arrangements like telephone or web-based access.

• Requires at least one member, chief legal counsel, or chief administrative officer to be physically present at the regular meeting location unless unfeasible due to the severe weather alert.

• Requires 48 hours' notice for such meetings (except in bona fide emergencies), roll call voting for all actions, and audio or video recording of all proceedings made available to the public.