SB1537 Summary

• Allows public bodies to hold meetings by audio or video conference if the head of the public body determines an in-person meeting is not in the best interests of the body or its members, removing the previous requirement for a disaster declaration.

• Permits news outlets to receive notice of special, emergency, rescheduled, and reconvened meetings by email in addition to other notification methods.

• Removes provisions requiring meetings to be held on specified dates and prohibiting meetings on legal holidays, as well as specific quorum requirements for certain public bodies.

• Requires public bodies conducting audio or video conference meetings to include website access information in meeting notices, agendas, and minutes when applicable.

• Maintains requirements that all members participating in remote meetings can hear one another, all votes are conducted by roll call, and verbatim audio or video recordings are kept for open meetings.