NC S203

Allows public bodies in Winston-Salem to conduct official meetings with members participating remotely via simultaneous communication (conference telephone or electronic means), provided the public body adopts written rules of procedure addressing member identity verification, deliberation process, voting procedures, vote recording, and public access.

Permits members participating remotely to be counted as present for quorum and voting purposes if conditions are met, including proper notice, two-way audio/visual communication capability, and physical presence of the chair or an alternative presiding officer.

Prohibits remote participation in closed sessions (except during emergencies) and quasi-judicial proceedings, and requires members participating via audio-only means to identify themselves when roll is called, before deliberating, and before voting.

Requires public bodies to provide a location and means for the public to listen to or watch official meetings conducted with simultaneous communication, except during emergency meetings.

Applies only to the City of Winston-Salem and becomes effective October 1, 2015, while ratifying any votes already taken by Winston-Salem public bodies using remote participation before that date.