Loading chat...
WA SB6000
Bill
Status
1/12/2026
Primary Sponsor
Keith Wagoner
Click for details
AI Summary
-
During state or federally declared natural disaster emergencies, a majority of governing body members may attend agency briefings, conduct damage inspections by boat/plane/vehicle, or hold press conferences without violating open meetings requirements, provided they take no final action
-
Governing body members may travel together or gather for non-meeting purposes without violating open meetings laws, as long as they take no official action
-
Local governments within a declared natural disaster emergency area may take action on emergency-related items at remote or limited-attendance meetings, including authorizing emergency measures, approving emergency ordinances, and approving disaster response spending or contracts
-
Public agencies must provide free real-time public access to remote emergency meetings via telephone, cable television, or other electronic means at no cost to participants
-
Amends RCW 42.30.070 and 42.30.230 (Washington's Open Public Meetings Act)
Legislative Description
Concerning gatherings of a majority of members of a governing body and action taken by a governing body during a state or federally declared emergency in response to a natural disaster.
Last Action
First reading, referred to State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.
1/12/2026