Bill > B26-0632

This bill, the Open Meetings Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2026, amends the District of Columbia's Open Meetings Act to clarify what constitutes a "meeting" and to provide exceptions and new rules for public access. Specifically, it clarifies that a "meeting" involves a quorum of a public body discussing or advising on public business, but excludes chance social gatherings and press conferences, and for the Council, it specifically includes legislative and committee meetings where votes are taken. The bill also allows public bodies to receive briefings on potential terrorist or public health threats without it being considered a meeting if disclosure could endanger the public, and exempts meetings between the Council and the Mayor from the act's requirements as long as no official action is taken. Furthermore, it establishes that a meeting is considered open to the public if reasonable steps are taken to allow viewing or hearing it as it happens, or as soon as possible afterward if technology prevents real-time access. Finally, it adjusts the applicability date for expanded financial reporting requirements for certain boards and commissions to October 17, 2026, and the entire act is effective for a limited 90-day period as an emergency measure.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0632