Bill > SB2371

This bill aims to enhance transparency and accessibility of public meetings in Mississippi by expanding the definition of "public body" to include a broader range of governmental entities and committees, and by establishing new requirements for public meeting notifications and record-keeping. The bill mandates that all public bodies create and maintain a public notice email list, which must be used to send meeting details, including date, time, place, and agenda, at least 72 hours before each meeting. Public bodies are now required to publish and maintain a list of members and key staff on their webpages, with contact information for those who want to be added to the public notice list. The bill also significantly reduces the time frame for recording and publishing meeting minutes from 30 days to 48 hours, requiring that minutes be made available for public inspection, emailed to the public notice list, and posted on the webpage within this shortened timeframe. Additionally, the definition of "public body" is broadened to include municipalities, counties, school districts, community colleges, university officials, and their related committees, with certain specific entities like the judiciary, law enforcement, and military still exempted from these requirements. The new provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving public bodies time to prepare for the expanded transparency measures.