NC H1198

Allows public bodies in Winston-Salem to conduct official meetings with members participating remotely via simultaneous communication (conference telephone or other electronic means).

Requires public bodies to adopt procedural rules before holding electronic meetings that address member identity verification, deliberation processes, voting procedures, vote recording, and public access means.

Members participating remotely count as present for quorum purposes and their votes count as if physically present, provided meetings are properly noticed and conditions such as two-way communication and document access are met.

Prohibits electronic meetings from including closed sessions (except during emergencies) or quasi-judicial proceedings, and requires a physically present officer to preside if the chair participates remotely.

Ratifies any votes taken by members using simultaneous communication before the October 1, 2014 effective date.