Bill > B26-0200

This bill amends the Open Meetings Act on a temporary basis to clarify several key provisions regarding public meetings in the District of Columbia. The bill redefines "meeting" to include any gathering of a quorum of public body members where public business is discussed, while explicitly excluding chance social gatherings and press conferences. It provides new flexibility for public bodies by allowing meetings to be considered open if reasonable steps are taken to let the public view or hear the proceedings, even if in-person attendance is not possible. The bill creates specific exemptions for certain types of meetings, including those where potential terrorist or public health threats are discussed, and introduces a new provision that excludes meetings between the Council and the Mayor from open meeting requirements, provided no official action is taken. Additionally, the bill modifies notice requirements for public meetings, making them less stringent by changing language from mandatory provisions to more flexible guidelines about providing notice. The amendments also clarify that Council meetings have some unique rules and that votes can be recorded differently than traditional roll call methods. The bill is temporary, set to expire 225 days after taking effect, and will require approval from the Mayor and congressional review.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0200