NC H435

Allows public bodies in Winston-Salem to conduct official meetings with members participating remotely by simultaneous communication only when a member cannot physically attend due to a medical condition of the member or immediate family member.

Requires public bodies to adopt rules of procedure before conducting remote meetings that address identity verification, orderly deliberation, voting processes, vote recording, and public access to listen or watch.

Permits remote participants to be counted as present for quorum and their votes to count as if physically present, provided proper notice is given and two-way audio communication is maintained between all participants.

Prohibits closed sessions, quasi-judicial proceedings, and written ballots during meetings with remote participants, and requires the chair to remain physically present or transfer presiding duties to another member present in person.

Applies only to the City of Winston-Salem, becomes effective June 1, 2019, and ratifies any votes taken by remote communication before that effective date.