MS HB796

Amends Mississippi's open meetings law to allow courts to void actions taken by public bodies in violation of the law if the court determines the public interest requires it, based on a preponderance of the evidence standard.

Allows any aggrieved party to bring a lawsuit to enforce the open meetings law within six months of the violation, with an absolute deadline of two years after the violation date.

Exempts actions involving the issuance of bonds or other evidence of indebtedness from being voided if a public hearing, election, or public sale was held regarding the debt.

Maintains existing enforcement mechanisms through the Mississippi Ethics Commission, which can impose civil penalties of up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses on individual members who willfully violate the law.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.