Enacts new GS 143-318.12A, directing every city council and county board of commissioners (council or board) to designate by resolution a website to make information about meetings available to the public. Specifies the website designation is required only if the council or board can confirm that the website publisher meets two listed criteria. Directs the council or board to promptly provide notice of the designated website and publisher by providing a certified copy of the resolution to the Secretary of State and by prominently posting notice informing the public of the website. Sets out guidelines to follow (1) if no website publisher meets the required criteria or (2) if a qualified publisher subsequently becomes available. Permits the council or board to designate the entity’s own website to provide the required notice. Lists the required information for inclusion on the designated website: (1) the annual schedule of regular meetings and notice of meetings, (2) meeting agendas, and (3) meeting minutes.
Enacts new GS 143-318.12B to require, at least quarterly, a council or board that held a closed session during the previous three years with undisclosed minutes, to review the relevant minutes and make available to the public any portion of the previously withheld minutes now disclosable. Sets forth additional requirements and procedures for closed sessions and minutes review.
Defines city council and county board of commissioners, applicable to both proposed statutes, to include any committee or subcommittee of the council or board, but does not include any separate board or commissions of the city or county.