A new proposal impacting open public meeting requirements would penalize individuals for failing to notice comment deadlines. HB 1105 sponsored by Rep. Kloba (D–Kirkland) requires agencies to provide notice of the deadline for public comments and creates a new individual penalty for failing to do so.

AWC has heard from cities about concerns that public comment deadlines are not always clear under the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA).  Additionally, the individual penalty sets a new precedent and puts unnecessary liability on city clerks.

While AWC supports open and transparent meetings, this bill seems to create some unnecessary anxiety about deadlines for public comment.

Dates to remember

HB 1105 is scheduled for public hearing in the House State Government Committee on Wednesday, January 11 at 1:30 pm.