Bill > B26-0307

This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to clarify and modify several key provisions regarding public meetings in the District of Columbia. The definition of a "meeting" is expanded to include any gathering of a quorum of public body members where public business is discussed, while specifically excluding chance social gatherings and press conferences. The bill provides new flexibility for public bodies, allowing them to hold meetings that can be viewed or heard by the public, either in real-time or as soon as technologically feasible. It creates a specific exemption for meetings between the Council and the Mayor, provided no official action is taken. The bill also allows public bodies to discuss potential terrorist or public health threats without violating open meeting rules, and gives the Council authority to adopt its own rules for ensuring open meeting policies. For the Council specifically, a "meeting" is defined as a regular or additional legislative meeting where votes are taken. The bill is an emergency measure that will apply from July 5, 2025, and remain in effect for up to 90 days, reflecting the need for immediate clarification of open meeting procedures while maintaining transparency in government operations.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0307