HB5374 Summary

• Amends the Open Meetings Act to allow public bodies to conduct meetings by audio or video conference without physical quorum presence during declared public health disasters when determined impractical by the public body head.

• Requires disaster declaration by Governor or Director of Public Health, 48-hour notice (except emergencies), roll call votes, and at least one member physically present at regular meeting location unless unfeasible.

• Mandates public bodies hold open meetings with members of public able to hear discussions and votes, either at regular location or through alternative arrangements like phone numbers or web-based links.

• Adds specific provision for Chicago local school councils to vote at organizational meetings on whether to hold meetings in-person or remotely, with gubernatorial or health director declarations limiting in-person meetings superseding the council's vote.

• Requires verbatim audio or video recording of all remote meetings made available to public, with public bodies bearing all compliance costs.