Few open government bills were considered in 2022, but one that did pass will impact how cities conduct public meetings.
HB 1329 was the key open meetings bill that passed this session and was signed by the Governor. It includes an emergency clause that makes
it take effect immediately, but it had a twist at the end. HB 1329 originally focused on encouraging remote meetings and requiring public comment options during regular meetings where final action is taken. However, as HB 1329 moved out of the Senate committee, they included an amendment that added all the language from last year’s HB 1056.
As you might recall, 2021’s HB 1056 addresses emergency meetings and notification requirements, but for reasons
that remain unclear, the bill failed to pass and struggled to get attention in the 2022 session. HB 1329 as it passed includes HB 1056.
Some of the language in HB 1329 can be confusing. Our colleagues at MRSC did a great write up on the bill that
helps explain the impacts. It is important to note that neither bill ever addressed allowing fully remote meetings outside of emergencies. We understand that some cities may be interested in that authority. If so, please let us know so we can consider
it for 2023.
Bill # | Description | Status |
|---|
HB 1329 | Updating the OPMA to address public meeting accessibility and participation. | Law; effective June 9, 2022. |
HB 1041 | Recommendations from the Sunchine Committee regarding juvenile records. | Did not pass. |
HB 1056 | Updating the OPMA to address public meeting notice requirements and declared emergencies. | Did not pass – Incorporated into HB 1329. |
SB 5550 | Subject the courts and offices within the judicial branch to the PRA. | Did not pass. |
SB 5948 | Exempts records held by WASPC relating to the victim information and notification system from the PRA. | Did not pass. |