Bill > HB393

This bill amends Montana's existing law regarding public meeting recordings by requiring towns and certain local governing boards to record their public meetings in audio format and make those recordings available online. Specifically, for towns with a population greater than 300 and counties with fewer than 4,500 residents, the bill mandates that audio recordings of public meetings must be posted on the board's website or social media page within 14 business days after the meeting. The bill expands existing requirements for other state boards and governmental bodies, which previously had more stringent recording and posting timelines. The recordings do not need to be the official record of the meeting and can be destroyed after one year of being posted online. Boards are not required to reschedule a meeting if technological failures prevent recording, but they must post a notice explaining the failure. The bill also specifies that expenditures related to meeting recording equipment and services by school districts can be considered part of a school facility project. The overall intent is to increase transparency and public access to local government proceedings by ensuring audio records of meetings are readily available to citizens.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3582