MN SF180

Creates a new requirement that all open meetings of public bodies must allow a public comment period permitting members of the public to directly address the body on any agenda item before or during consideration of that item

Allows public bodies to adopt reasonable rules limiting the total time allocated for public comments on particular issues or individual speakers, and to limit comment scope to specific agenda items currently before the body

Permits public bodies to conduct meetings by telephone or other electronic means while maintaining public access, including requirements that members can hear one another, at least one member is physically present at the regular meeting location, and all votes are conducted by roll call

Requires that members of the public at the regular meeting location can hear all discussion, testimony, votes, and participate in testimony or public comment periods during electronically-conducted meetings

Applies public comment period requirements to all meetings conducted by electronic means and amends 23 specific Minnesota statutes governing various boards and councils to include consistent public participation provisions