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SF787 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Open meeting laws unlimited remote participation authorization modification provision

AI Generated Summary

The bill SF No. 787 proposed in the Minnesota Senate aims to modify the state's open meeting law to allow for unlimited remote participation in meetings governed by these rules. Key modifications stipulate that:

  1. Meetings can be conducted using interactive technology provided all members can hear and see each other and the public discussions wherever they are located, including those at the main meeting location.
  2. At least one member of the body must be physically present at the regular meeting location.
  3. All votes during the meeting must be by roll call, ensuring each member's vote is recorded clearly.
  4. Each location from which a member participates must be accessible to the public unless specific exceptions are met.

These exceptions include scenarios where a member may participate remotely from a location that is not public. This is permissible: - Up to three times a year, - If the member is serving in the military or on active duty, or - If a health professional has advised against being in public spaces for health reasons.

Additionally, the bill requires that the public body must give notice of the main meeting location and any other locations where members participate remotely, though locations used under the special exceptions do not require this notice.

This bill accommodates greater flexibility in participation in government meetings while attempting to maintain transparency and public accessibility.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 29, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 29, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 29, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toState and Local Government
January 29, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toState and Local Government
February 19, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 19, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies that remote participation is now allowed without limit under certain conditions."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous restrictions on remote participation under normal circumstances."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill amends conditions under which meetings can be conducted with remote participation as outlined in section 13D.02, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies conditions under which a member can participate remotely more than three times if certain criteria are met, such as military deployment or medical advice."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13D.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement to notify the public of remote participation using interactive technology."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifications to notification requirements for meetings conducted by interactive technology under section 13D.02, subdivision 4.",
      "modified": [
        "Details the timing and method for providing notice of meetings conducted by interactive technology, as referenced in section 13D.04."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13D.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  }
]

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