Minneslate Logo

HF2180 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Open meeting law modified to allow flexibility for remote participation.

AI Generated Summary

This bill modifies Minnesota's Open Meeting Law to allow greater flexibility for remote participation by public body members.

Key provisions include: 1. Public meetings can be conducted using interactive technology as long as: - All members can hear and see one another and all discussions. - The public at the regular meeting location can hear and see all discussions and votes. - At least one member is physically present at the regular meeting location. - All votes are conducted as roll-call votes. - Each location where a member is present is open and accessible to the public.

  1. Exceptions to the public accessibility requirement allow a member to participate remotely from a private location up to three times per year if:

    • The member is serving in the military and engaged in required duties.
    • A healthcare professional advises the member to avoid public places for personal or family medical reasons.

  2. Public notice must be provided for meetings using interactive technology, including the regular meeting location and any locations where members will participate. However, the locations of members participating under the military or medical exceptions do not need to be disclosed.

This amendment aims to increase participation flexibility while maintaining transparency and public access in government meetings.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 11, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
March 11, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
March 23, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows members of public bodies to participate remotely under specified conditions."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the open meeting law under section 13D.02 by allowing increased flexibility for remote participation.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts conditions under which meetings can be conducted by interactive technology."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13D.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New notification rules for locations where members participate remotely."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill updates the notification requirements for meetings using interactive technology.",
      "modified": [
        "Requires notice even for remotely participating members' locations, with some exceptions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13D.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references section 13D.04 regarding the timing and method of notice for meetings.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the adherence to existing methods for public meeting notifications when using interactive technology."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13D.04",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors