W-S/MEETINGS BY SIMULTANEOUS COMMUNICATION.

Printer-friendly: Click to view
View NCGA Bill Details2013-2014 Session
Senate Bill 840 (Local) Filed Thursday, May 22, 2014
AN ACT TO CLARIFY HOW PUBLIC BODIES IN WINSTON-SALEM MAY CONDUCT BUSINESS DURING MEETINGS INVOLVING SIMULTANEOUS COMMUNICATION.
Intro. by Parmon, Krawiec.

Status: Ref To Com On State and Local Government (Senate Action) (May 28 2014)

Bill History:

S 840

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: May 22 2014 - View Summary

    Identical to H 1198, filed on May 22, 2014.

    Only applies to the City of Winston-Salem.

    Amends GS 143-318.10, concerning open meetings laws, providing that "simultaneous" communication means any communication by conference telephone or other electronic means. Makes technical and conforming changes.

    Enacts GS 143-318.13, setting out new provisions and regulations for conducting public meetings via electronic means. Authorizes public bodies to conduct official meetings with simultaneous communication, directing public bodies to adopt rules of procedure for such meetings, including verification of identity of the member or members of the public, process of orderly deliberation, process of voting, procedure for recording votes, and the means by which members of the public can listen or watch.

    Sets out 10 requirements for electronic meetings that must be met in order to deem the meeting valid and official, including quorum requirements and other requirements addressing such issues as proper notice of the public meeting and procedure for accepting and communication votes. Deletes provision allowing a fee of up to $25 for each listener of electronic meetings.

    Makes technical and conforming changes.

    Effective October 1, 2014, and ratifies any vote taken by a public body that included a member voting by simultaneous communication by conference telephone or other electronic means before that date.