Alabama Senate Bill SB228

Alabama 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/22
• Refer: 2/16/22

Caption

Open Meetings Act, participation in meetings by electronic communication further provided, Sec. 36-25A-5.1 am'd.

Impact

By allowing electronic participation to count towards quorum requirements, SB228 significantly alters how meetings are conducted. This change is expected to improve member attendance and engagement, especially for those who may face challenges attending in person due to distance, health issues, or other commitments. Furthermore, it aims to facilitate greater public access to meetings, as the bill also mandates that meetings conducted electronically must allow public access to listen and participate where feasible. This could lead to increased transparency and public involvement in governmental processes.

Summary

SB228 proposes an amendment to the Alabama Open Meetings Act, specifically addressing the participation of members of governmental bodies in meetings through electronic communications. The bill would allow members to participate via telephone or video conference, and this participation would be considered as being present for the purpose of establishing a quorum. Previously, such remote participation did not count towards forming a quorum, which limited the effectiveness of members who could not attend in person. The bill aims to modernize how governmental bodies conduct meetings and ensure more robust participation from their members.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB228 include concerns over the potential for diminished accountability and transparency in governmental proceedings. Critics may argue that remote participation could hinder the personal accountability of members and reduce the quality of deliberations, as discussions might not be as effective without face-to-face interactions. Additionally, some worry about the practicalities of ensuring public access to electronically conducted meetings, and whether all members would be adequately equipped to engage with the technology required for remote participation. These debates are important as they highlight the balance between modernization and maintaining effective governance.