Bill > SB6000

This bill modifies existing laws concerning public meetings during declared emergencies, specifically natural disasters. It clarifies that during a state or federally declared emergency due to a natural disaster, it is not a violation of open meeting laws for a majority of a governing body (like a city council or county board) to attend briefings, conduct visual inspections of damage by various means, or hold press conferences related to the disaster, as long as they do not take any final official actions. Additionally, the bill allows governing bodies to travel together or gather for purposes other than formal meetings without violating these laws, provided no official action is taken. It also permits local governments within an emergency area to take action on items directly related to the disaster at remote or limited-attendance meetings, including authorizing emergency measures, approving emergency ordinances, and approving spending or contracts for disaster response and recovery. The term "action" in this context refers to any official decision or vote taken by the governing body.