A proposed expansion to open meeting laws took another step in the legislative process.

 

House State Affairs committee members passed Senate Bill 73, which clarifies what constitutes an open meeting and includes electronic medium meetings under open meeting’s law, on a vote of 11-1.

 

The legislation was a reply to concern about government bodies discussing the public’s business via email or other electronic means. SDNA General Manager Dave Bordewyk said the bill provided “better definition of a teleconference” with the inclusion of the Internet. SDNA Lobbyist Justin Smit acknowledged holding a meeting via email or group text would be difficult.

 

Rep. Brian Gosch, House State Affairs Chariman, noted there’s no clear definition of what constitutes “official business” and believed that could cloud the matter.

 

Should there be a suspected violation of the proposed law, members of the governing body could send consent for their email or electronic records to be reviewed or a search warrant or subpoena obtained for the investigation.

 

ASBSD is monitoring the bill, which now moves to the House floor for review.

 

For updates on the bill, check out the ASBSD Blog, Twitter feed and Bill Tracker page.