SB 1063 Summary

• Replaces mandatory language ("shall") with permissive language ("must") throughout the Open Meetings Act to clarify legal requirements for public body meetings.

• Permits members of public bodies to attend and participate in meetings electronically or telephonically in real time when the governor has declared both a state of disaster and state of emergency under specified acts.

• Members attending meetings remotely during declared emergencies are considered present with full participation rights equivalent to physical attendance.

• Requires public bodies with all members attending remotely to provide advance notice explaining the emergency procedures and detailing how the public can attend and participate electronically or telephonically.

• Establishes that emergency remote participation provisions override conflicting provisions in local charters, ordinances, or rules.