Bill > LB898

This bill amends Nebraska's Open Meetings Act to expand the types of political subdivisions, or "public bodies," that can hold meetings using virtual conferencing, which allows participants to join remotely via technology like video calls. Previously, only specific entities like state agencies, certain interlocal cooperation organizations, and natural resources districts could use virtual conferencing under certain conditions. This bill broadens that permission to most public bodies, provided they meet new requirements. These requirements include giving advance public notice that includes a dial-in number or link to the virtual meeting, ensuring at least one physical meeting site is available with a representative present, making meeting documents accessible both physically and electronically, and for statewide elected or appointed bodies (unless advisory), limiting virtual meetings to no more than half of their total meetings per year. The bill also clarifies that certain entities, like those involved in electricity or natural gas sales through interlocal cooperation, or those whose members are not elected or appointed statewide, can hold more than half of their meetings virtually, as long as they hold at least one in-person meeting annually. Additionally, the bill makes changes to public notice requirements for meetings and addresses specific regulations for privately developed renewable energy generation facilities, including public meeting requirements and security bonds for decommissioning.

Military Affairs and Security

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=62831