Bill > SB316

This bill amends Section 36-25A-5.1 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to further provide for participation in meetings by electronic communication. The key provisions are: 1) members of governmental bodies, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, may participate in meetings remotely using electronic communication; 2) the physical location of the meeting must be available for the public to attend and observe the remote participants; 3) certain governmental bodies, such as the Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Public Service Commission, are prohibited from participating remotely; and 4) a majority of a quorum must be physically present to conduct business, and only those physically present may participate in executive sessions. The bill also specifies requirements for voting and prohibits remote participants from claiming reimbursement for expenses.