Open Meeting Law; meeting broadcasting through social media authorized.
Impact
The enactment of HF3295 would amend Minnesota Statutes to allow for expanded use of social media in public meetings, thereby potentially increasing transparency and accessibility for citizens unable to attend in-person gatherings. This is especially pertinent as many citizens are now accustomed to virtual engagement, making it necessary for legal frameworks to adapt to these new norms. The bill also requires notices to state clearly how the public can access these broadcasts, ensuring that citizens are aware of their opportunities to engage.
Summary
House File 3295 addresses the Open Meeting Law by authorizing public bodies to broadcast meetings through social media platforms. This legislative move aims to enhance public access and engagement by utilizing modern technology to reach broader audiences. The bill specifies that while public bodies may use social media to live broadcast meetings, they are not obligated to include a comment feature during these broadcasts. However, if such features are enabled, rules for managing comments must be established.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HF3295 include concerns about the potential dilution of record-keeping and public engagement protocols. Critics may argue that the lack of requirement for social media comments to be considered government records could hinder transparency, as meaningful public discourse might not be formally documented. Additionally, there may be valid concerns regarding whether all citizens, particularly those less familiar with technology or social media, will have equal opportunities to participate in democratic processes as a result of this shift.
Permitting certain local broadcasters to provide broadcast services of a school's postseason activities notwithstanding if the state high school activities association enters into an exclusive broadcast agreement for postseason activities.
Senate Substitute for HB 2138 by Committee on Education - Requiring school districts to provide separate accommodations for students of each biological sex on overnight school district sponsored trips, requiring contracts for exclusive broadcasts of state high school activities association activities to permit certain local broadcasts and providing for administrative review of resolutions to permanently close a school building of a school district.