Two bills that will bring critical updates to the Open Public Meetings Act are moving swiftly through the Senate.

HB 1056 allows local governments to hold virtual public meetings during a declared emergency. Under the bill, any virtual public meeting must include a way for the public to hear the meeting in real-time. The requirement to post meeting agendas 24 hours in advance remains in place; however, during a declared emergency, cities would not be required to physically post meeting notices. AWC continues to support this bill.

HB 1329 encourages cities to provide remote access to public meetings and make recordings of meetings available to the public. HB 1329 requires cities to provide an opportunity for public comment at or before every regular meeting at which final action is taken (except in emergencies). The bill also requires a city, upon request by an individual with a disability, limited mobility, or other related reasons, to provide options for remote comment when feasible.

Dates to remember

HB 1056 is scheduled for executive session in the Senate State Government & Elections Committee on Wednesday, March 17 at 8 am.

HB 1329 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate State Government & Elections Committee on Friday, March 19 at 10:30 am.