Bill > HB2616

This bill allows a governing body, such as a city council or county commission, to hold a private meeting, called an executive session, to interview candidates for director-level positions without giving the public advance notice. Director-level positions are defined as those filled by the mayor or the governing body (or the mayor with approval from the governing body), excluding the chief of police, and which involve overseeing a department and its employees. During these private interviews, the governing body cannot make final hiring decisions or deliberate on candidates; all such actions must occur in a public meeting. The minutes of the executive session must list who attended, except for the interviewed applicants, and only members of the governing body, invited staff, and applicants can be present. An applicant's application materials can be kept confidential if they request it, and if an applicant is hired, their interview and application materials become public records, but those not hired will have their information remain confidential if they request it.