Bill > HB2886

This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to expand the circumstances under which members of a public body can attend meetings remotely (referred to as "other means" in the bill, specifically by video or audio conference). The bill broadens the existing reasons for remote attendance, which previously included personal illness, disability, employment purposes, business of the public body, family emergencies, and unexpected childcare obligations. The new version adds a catch-all provision allowing remote attendance for "any other reason" designated in rules adopted by the public body. The bill requires that a majority of the public body must be physically present, and a member seeking to attend remotely must notify the recording secretary or clerk before the meeting when possible. Public bodies are required to adopt specific rules governing remote attendance that can further limit or define the conditions for such attendance. The legislation maintains existing exceptions for certain types of public bodies with large jurisdictional areas and includes provisions for conducting meetings remotely during public health disasters, ensuring public access, roll call voting, and verification of participants. This change aims to provide more flexibility for public body members while maintaining transparency and public access to government meetings.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2886&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104