MN HF2958

Amends Minnesota Statutes sections 13D.01, 13D.04, and 13D.06 to revise definitions and procedures governing open meetings for public bodies in the executive branch and local government.

Expands the definition of "public body" to include multimember advisory groups established by government bodies or subsets thereof that provide advice or recommendations on governmental powers, and advisory bodies established under section 15.014 or other state law.

Requires public bodies to state the legal basis for closing meetings and describe the subject matter to be discussed, replacing previous requirement to cite "specific grounds."

Permits electronic meetings via telephone or other electronic means during health pandemics or declared emergencies if conditions are met, including that all members can hear one another and at least one member remains physically present at the regular meeting location.

Adds new subdivision allowing members of the public to record and photograph open meetings in a non-disruptive manner as reasonably determined by the public body.

Exempts advisory group members as defined in section 13D.01, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (2) from compliance with this section.