HB 3326

Abstract

Amends the Open Meetings Act. Specifies that at each regular or special meeting which is open to the public, any person shall have the opportunity to address public officials with comments or questions, subject to reasonable constraints. Provides that any answers to questions asked during the open meeting shall be provided by the public body within 45 days. Provides that if a court determines that a public body willfully and intentionally failed to comply with the Act, or otherwise acted in bad faith, the court shall, in addition to any other relief authorized, also impose upon the public body a civil penalty of not less than $2,500, but no more than $5,000, for each violation. Provides that the court shall (currently, may) assess against any party, except a State's Attorney, reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred by any other party who prevails (currently, substantially prevails) in an action brought under the Act.