Bill > HB1056

This bill modernizes and updates the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) to reflect technological advances and allow public agencies to hold remote meetings or meetings with limited public attendance during declared emergencies. The key provisions include: 1. Allowing public agencies to hold remote meetings without a physical location or meetings with limited public attendance during declared emergencies, as long as they provide an option for the public to listen to the proceedings in real-time. 2. Clarifying that public agencies can establish reasonable conditions, like those needed to protect public health and safety or prevent meeting disruptions, for attendance at in-person meetings. 3. Allowing public agencies to stop people from speaking if they are not recognized by the governing body. 4. Updating requirements for posting meeting agendas online and providing exceptions for small special purpose districts, cities, and towns. 5. Modifying notice requirements for special meetings held during declared emergencies. 6. Declaring the act to be necessary for immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, and taking effect immediately.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1056&Year=2021&Initiative=false